Benicia Little League’s 9/10 all-star team moved to within one win of a District 53 championship after clobbering host St. Helena on Sunday, 11-1, in four innings.

St. Helena (3-1) came in undefeated and had handed Benicia (6-1) its only loss of the tournament last Wednesday, but it was Benicia that looked like District champions in the rematch. Jacob French pitched all four innings for Benicia, allowing one unearned run and three hits while striking out six, and the offense batted around in the third inning to put the game away.

“We did really well and it felt great,” said Benicia manager Jay Matteson. “It’s an awesome feeling and I’m very proud.”

St. Helena scored its only run in the top of the first inning but Benicia answered right back with three runs in the bottom half. French led off the inning with a single and two consecutive hit batters loaded the bases. Xander Estrada promptly cleared them with a three-run double.

St. Helena didn’t start its top pitcher – saving him for Monday’s decisive championship-game rematch – and Benicia continued to take advantage. French delivered a RBI single in the second inning and Jake Matteson followed with another RBI single to make it 5-1.

Benicia blew it open in the bottom of the third. Patrick Fernandez got things started with a one-out single and five consecutive walks forced home three runs. T.J. Peters ripped a two-run double to make it 10-1 and Estrada gave Benicia a 10-run lead with a RBI single.

“The fire in their eyes is really intense and they’re really focused on winning the championship,” coach Matteson said.

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