DALTON, Mass. — Great Barrington held off a determined Dalton comeback attempt, using a strong offensive start and clutch pitching late to secure a 7-5 victory in Don Gleason District 1 Little League Tournament action on Wednesday night.

 

The win was powered by a four-run first inning and a steady defensive effort that helped the team withstand Dalton’s late push.

 

Great Barrington couldn’t have asked for a better start offensively. Ivey Weller worked a leadoff walk to get things going before Tyler Warren reached on an error to put two runners aboard with nobody out. Satchel Fisher immediately made Dalton pay, driving a double into the outfield to score both runners and give Great Barrington an early 2-0 advantage. Just one batter later, Harlan Kohler added an even bigger swing, launching a two-run home run to cap a four-run opening inning. Although Dalton was able to retire Hunter Havens, Ezekiel McLaughlin, and Julian Winters to end the frame, Great Barrington had already built a comfortable cushion.

 

Dalton responded in the bottom of the first and showed it wasn’t going away quietly. Graylan Milano opened the inning with a single before Parker Demarsh worked a walk. During the next at-bat, a lengthy rundown allowed Milano to cross the plate, though Demarsh was eventually tagged out to record the second out of the play. Tony Zaniboni followed with a single to keep the inning alive, but Great Barrington starter Tyler Warren settled in and retired the next batter to limit the damage and preserve a 4-1 lead.

 

Great Barrington added another run in the second inning after Mason Blackwell singled and Weston Tremont drew a walk. Owen Saunders followed with a base hit to load the bases before Sam Sturgis reached on a fielder’s choice. Weller came through with an RBI single to push the lead to 5-1, though Dalton escaped a larger inning by recording a pop out with the bases still loaded.

 

Dalton threatened again in the bottom half of the inning when Johnny Morrow singled and Camden Packard reached after being hit by a pitch, but Warren worked around the traffic. A strikeout and a ground ball ended the inning, keeping Great Barrington comfortably in front.

 

Both teams were quiet in the third. Joseph Racicot came on in relief for Dalton and retired the side in order, while Warren answered with another scoreless inning. After Joey Henault singled for Dalton, Great Barrington erased the threat with a strikeout and an inning-ending double play.