Kearny Mesa LL Storm defeat Mission Trail LL White Sox (2-1) 7-0 capturing the Dupont Tournament Championship. This is KMLL Major's first championship win in over 10yrs!

Niko Lacson was the unofficial tournament MVP, despite an early scare at the start of the game. In the first inning, after the first two batters struck out, Niko, the starting pitcher, was hit by a pitch. He shrugged off the pain, which led to an early 2-run rally in the top of first inning. In the top of the fourth inning, Niko started another scoring rally with a lead off single. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, Niko stole home in a delayed steal. The play led to multiple throwing errors allowing Dominic Hargrove and Ethan Wong to score, extending the lead to 5-0. In the top of 6th inning, Niko hit a 2-run triple allowing Jace Leonard and Kaleb Majam to score adding to the 7-0 lead. Lacson pitched a 6-inning complete game shutout with 12 strikeouts in 85 pitches. He started and ended the game strong striking out the side in the first and sixth innings.

“I had so much fun playing this weekend," said Niko. "Our pitchers were amazing. Special shoutout to Dominic almost pitching a complete game to lead us to the championships. Also amazing plays in all games - we were aggressive at the plate and at base running. It feels so good to bring a championship win for Kearny Mesa after more than a decade!"

Kearny Mesa went 3-0 in DuPont, defeating Serra Mesa (1-2) 15-1, and La Mesa National (2-1) Astros 8-3.

In the semifinals against the Astros, Dominic started and pitched 4 2/3 strong innings allowing 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 walk, and 1 HBP. Dominic struck out 8 batters on 85 pitches. Jace came in relief in the 5th inning with 2 outs and a runner on first. He allowed a single before retiring the last batter on flyout to shortstop Ethan. The game was called after 5 innings because of the 2 hour time limit.

In the first round against Serra Mesa, Niko started and pitched 1 2/3 with 5 K allowing 3 hits. Ethan came in relief in the 2nd inning shutting down a possible rally with a called third strike to get the final out. He would pitch a clean third inning, striking out two and forcing a soft comebacker for the third out. The Storm blew the game open with a 6 runs in the second inning led by back-back hits from Lane Santillan and Diego Lopez. Kaleb Melford went 2 for 2 with a run scored. The Storm mercy ruled Serra Mesa 15-1 in after scoring 5 additional runs in the 4th inning.

KMLL Storm will prepare for the Clay Berry Invitational scheduled to start Thursday, March 23 5p against La Mesa National Rangers at La Mesa National Little League Kuhlken Field. Rain is in the forecast leading up to the CBI tournament.