After a series of close games to open the season, the Humboldt Eagles 17U bats came out swinging in a big way in American Legion action on Thursday night.

The Eagles hosted the Southern Humboldt 76ers at Belotti Field in Eureka and won comfortably 11-1 in five innings.

Brice Neuman hit an inside-the-park home run to end the game on the 10-run rule in the fifth inning.

“It was fantastic to see the bats get flying,” Eagles head coach TJ Brogan said. “We’ve been cold.”

The Eagles also enjoyed some strong pitching by Brayden Bermers, who threw a complete-game for the victory.

The impressive Eureka High sophomore pitched a one-hitter and gave up just one unearned run, while walking one and striking out 10.

“Brayden had an elite start,” Brogan said. “He’s just carrying it over from the spring at Eureka High.”

Several Eagles players enjoyed good days at the plate. Including Kyle Giacone, who followed a strong pitching performance against the Northern Humboldt Giants on Tuesday by going 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBIs.

Wyatt Zeller also was 2-for-2 in the win, while Bryce Pope was 1-for-2 and scored two runs.

Lead-off batter Bryson Burns also impressed and finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Scotty Brogan was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

With the win, the Eagles improved to 2-2.

No stats were available for the 76ers.

Next up, the Eagles will host the Wild Cactus on Monday at 4 p.m.