Kevan Vatan pitched a complete game and Gunner Martinez singled in Diego Alvarez for the go-ahead run in the sixth inning as the Goleta Valley South Little League Junior All Stars defeat East Hills, 2-1, on Sunday to reach the semifinals of the Southern California State Tournament in Norco.
It was the fourth win in the elimination bracket for the GVSLL Stars, who lost their opener against South Pasadena by one run.
GVSLL will play Quartz Hill Little League on Monday at 6 p.m.
Vatan allowed three hits and one run over seven innings. He struck out three and walked four in the complete-game victory. The run came in the first inning.
“Kevan stepped up today to shut down the East Hills offense,” said manager Rob Brennan. “It was a close game today and we had multiple innings with bases loaded and we just could not get the runs across like we have all tournament.
“It was our fifth game in six days and it was extremely hot and humid. But Kevan was just relaxed and pitched a gem and I could not be more proud of his effort on the mound today.”
GVSLL got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Alvarez singled and stole second base scored on double by Cruz Lorca.
Alvarez led GVSLL with two hits in three at bats, while Martinez and Lorca each drove in one run.