Port Washington, NY – The sectional round of the 2011 11U Williamsport tournament opened yesterday with the North Bellmore North Merrick LL Rebels, representing District 31, routing the District 28 Port Washington Legends, 15 – 1, at Lions Field. It is the fourth consecutive game where the Rebels have defeated an opponent by 10 runs or more.

A trio of Rebels pitchers – Nick Valeriano, Mike Proios, and Jack Delaney – combined to scatter just three hits in an impressive display of efficiency and effectiveness, using only 58 pitches amongst them. As is always the case with a low pitch count, the defense behind them was solid and included a sharp 6-4-3 double-play to end the game.

The NBNM offense continued its big-time production including a 3-run home run in the first inning by Brian Porricelli to set the tone, and extra-base hits by Matt Nilsen, Mike Proios, and Andy Davila (triple). The Rebels lineup peppered the Legends throughout the game and put up crooked numbers in all but the third and fourth innings (when they scored 1 and 0 respectively).

It was a strong start to the play-offs for the Rebels who hope to represent Section 6 (Long Island) at the New York State round.

The tournament continues tonight (weather permitting) when the Rebels are scheduled to face the District 36 champs from North Shore Little League, 8:00pm at Otsego Park in Dix Hills.