In tournament action

Behind a combined one-hit effort by pitchers Jared McDonald and Ryan Leubke, the Nationals overcame three bases-loaded jams to post a shutout in their first game of the Babe Ruth 14-year-old Regional Tournament, being held at Quinton Street Ballpark in The Dalles through Tuesday.

McDonald, of White Salmon, also helped key a fifth-inning rally that produced the game's only runs.

Catcher Dallas Mattox led off with a double, while pinch runner Jacob Denny advanced to third on McDonald's single.

Still with no outs, first baseman Nick Dohrman laid down a sacrifice bunt, but beat out the throw when the B.C. pitcher took too much time trying to hold Denny at third base.

That brought up Vinnie Dodd, who delivered a bloop single to score Denny. McDonald then scored on an overthrow of third base.

"This was a heck of a ballgame, and it's not going to get any easier," said Nationals manager Tony Schertenleib. "We're going to have to come ready to play every game this weekend."

The Nationals played Wyoming on Friday (results not yet available), and will take on North Washington today at 1 p.m.

They will close out pool play on Sunday against South Oregon (Phoenix), and hope to land one of the top two spots so they can play in Tuesday's semifinals.

"I'm the kind of coach who takes things one game at a time," Schertenleib said. "We know what we are up against, and they are all going to be tough."

Hood River representatives Adam Coerper (right field) and Thomas Nickel (left field) each made significant contributions during Thursday's win.

Coerper, who normally plays centerfield, had a diving catch on the edge of the infield in the third inning to stall a B.C. rally.

Meanwhile, Nickel contributed with the bat, delivering a two-out triple in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ryan Nelson is also representing Hood River, but did not play on Thursday.