File photo – The Northern Humboldt Giants

Ben Lukens continued to roll with a complete-game victory on the mound for the Northern Humboldt Giants in the championship game at the Humboldt Eagles 17U tournament on Sunday.

Playing at the Redwood Fields in Cutten, the Giants capped an unbeaten run through tournament play with their fifth victory in five games defeating Legacy Baseball out of Redding 8-1.

And Lukens was once again outstanding, as he has been for much of the summer season.

The Arcata Tigers standout gave up just one run on three hits and struck out 10.

Several players stepped up for the Giants at the plate, including Mateo Reiman who had two hits to lead an eight-hit team performance.

“I thought we took care of business,” head coach Eric Agliolo said. “Lukens pitched well and limited their ability to do anything.”

Tanner Kees also impressed at the plate and finished 1-for-2 with a double, while Lukens, Cole Zeller, Joe Capp, Brandon Romero and Lyle McKinnon each also had a hit.

Capp was been a pleasant surprise for the Giants this summer and has been one of the team’s most consistent and clutch hitters over the past couple of weeks.

“He’s had a very productive summer,” Agliolo said of the McKinleyville High player.

The Giants got the game off to a fast start and scored five runs in the first inning to take control.

They would add three more in the sixth.

And that would prove to more than enough for Lukens and his defense.

“We played very solid defensively behind Lukens,” Agliolo said. “It was a good way to finish out the tournament.”

The Giants, who have now won seven straight games, will conclude the 2024 season when they host the Humboldt Eagles on Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. at Arcata High School.

Also on Sunday, the Colts B team defeated Wild Cactus Baseball in the championship game at the 19U Eagles tournament at Belotti Field.

No other details were immediately available.