Mill Valley Little League Minors All-Stars Nab Two Wins in San Jose, March to Semifinals

Racking up 17 runs in two games, the Mill Valley Little League 9-10 All-Stars continued their march through the Little League baseball minors divisional tournament. With two wins in two days at the tourney in San Jose, they now head to the semifinals Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. against Rocklin.

The Mill Valley squad out-slugged Los Gatos 12-7 in a quarterfinal game on Sunday, propelled by a pair of home runs by Colin Moe, who blasted a two-run home run and a solo shot as part of a 3-for-4 day at the plate.

Manager Doug Canepa's squad had plenty of additional firepower, with Sean Loder going 2 for 4, including a run-scoring double. Van Larson hit a double and Jake Buxton and Casey Wall each knocking in runs with singles.

Loder, Buxton and Harry Mauterer handled the pitching duties, holding Los Gatos at bay when it counted.

One day earlier, the Mill Valley minors rallied to defeat San Mateo National 5-3, reversing a three-run deficit in the first inning.

Loder, Larson and Buxton drove the team to the comeback win, with Loder getting it started with a deep solo home run in the second inning and Larson and Buxton driving in runs. Buxton's RBI single brought in Blake Stewie, who drew a walk, stole two bases and scored the winning run, Canepa said.

Casey Walls was 2 for 4 in the game, while Moe knocked a double to the fence and Jack McKay also joined the hit parade.

In addition to driving in one of the five runs, Larson pitched four innings of four-hit baseball, with Buxton and Harry Mauterer throwing one scoreless inning apiece in relief.

The winner of this tournament, which ends next weekend, will be crowned Northern California champion.

Mill Valley kicked off its run by winning the sectional championship with a 9-1 win over Petaluma Valley on July 17.