By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
The heat was blazing and so were the fastballs as the first day of the Junior Babe Ruth League District Six Tournament kicked off Friday at the Susiegray McConnell Sports Complex.
The tournament hosts two divisions and eight teams and is back in Washington for the first time in five years.
In the 13-U division, Crystal Coast, New Bern, Newport, Kinston/Lenoir and Washington will each battle it out for the crown, while Washington, Kinston/Lenoir and Crystal Coast will compete in the 14-U division.
The hosting site for the tournament is decided on a rotating basis, and tournament director Sherrie Swain said the first day of the tournament has been a success.
Swain said she was thrilled to have the Junior Babe Ruth League Tournament back at the Susiegray McConnell Sports Complex.
The tournament follows double elimination rules and Swain said the championship will be decided either Monday or Tuesday.
Swain’s son and former Pam Pack star Alan played in the tournament when he was younger, and now his little brother Will has his chance to participate this week for Washington’s 13-U squad.
Swain said that though her son is in the tournament he will not receive any breaks.
Because they are the hosting teams, both Washington’s 13-U and 14-U teams have a first round bye, and will begin tournament action today.
The 13-U team will be playing at 8 p.m., while the 14-U team will kickoff at 3 p.m.