ARROYO GRANDE -- The Hanford Babe Ruth 15-year-old all-stars will be playing in the championship finals of the Central State tournament. Dalton Silva pitched a two-hitter, chipping in two hits and driving in two runs to help lead the locals to a 6-2 victory over the Bullard All-Stars from Fresno on Tuesday night.

The win moves Hanford -- the only team still unbeaten in the tourney -- into Thursday's 4 p.m. title game against Bullard or Santa Maria. Those two teams play an elimination game today.

Jesse Gonzalez paced Hanford's offense with a triple, single and three RBI. Zachary Raeber, Chris Nagle and Jacob Colby all collected with Colby driving in a run.

Hanford can wrap up the tourney title and berth in the Western Regionals with a win. A loss would force a decisive game later on Thursday.

The Hanford National 12-year-old All-Stars, champions of District 61, open section play Thursday in Taft. Hanford went unbeaten in District 61 play with wins over Armona, Hanford American and Taft before defeating Buttonwillow 7-2 in the finals.

Lemoore's Little League 11-year-old all-stars also claimed the District 61 title in its age group, also going unbeaten. The team opens divisional tournament play tonight in Exeter.

(July 16, 2008)