File photo

The McKinleyville 12-year-old All-Stars responded to a disappointing loss on Friday with a big shutout victory on Saturday to remain in contention for the section championship.

The Mack All-Stars turned four double plays to back a solid pitching performance on the way to a 12-0 win over Colusa in hot conditions in Anderson.

It was a perfect response to a 7-6 loss in extra innings to East Redding the night before.

“What I liked most about it is the kids bounced back,” manager Patrick Green said. “Last night was tough, and once again it shows they’ve got courage and fight, and we’re here to play.”

The impressive team defense and their multiple double plays also helped keep the pitch count down, with McKinleyville getting out of one inning on just three pitches.

“It sets up our pitching very nicely for the rest of the tournament,” Green said. “We’re excited about that.”

So too does the team offense, which is building momentum and accounted for 15 hits.

Talon Turner hit a home run for the second straight day and finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while the in-form Hacher Matson followed his first Little League career home run on Thursday with a second against Colusa.

“His bat’s coming alive,” Green said of Matson.

The ever-dangerous Tate Saso also had a big day at the plate and finished 4-for-4 with three RBIs, while Blake Carper had his best game yet in tournament play and finished 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Lincoln Hungerford got the start on the mound and threw two solid complete innings, with Matson and Turner both also impressing in relief.

File photo – Lincoln Hungerford

The victory lifts the Mack All-Stars to 2-1 in the Area tournament and sets up a rematch with East Redding in another elimination game on Sunday, with a place in the championship round up for grabs.

Susanville improved to 2-0 in tournament action and will play the winner of Sunday’s game on Monday at 6 p.m.