The Turlock American Little League 10-year-old All-Stars are moving on the Section 6 Tournament after winning the District 73 title on Thursday following a 10-0 mercy-rule win over Atwater from the Los Banos fields.

“I talked to the team and told them how proud I was for the effort and everything they have put forth and the hustle, skills and everything,” said Turlock head coach Courtney Keyler. “They all played outstanding — all 13 players helped us win…They are ecstatic and this is a lot of fun and the boys will continue to play.”

When the team kicked off tournament play this past weekend, Keyler told them to hustle and play their best.

On Sunday, the Turlock squad faced Mariposa for a chance to play in the semifinal. In that game, Turlock American came out on fire and notched a mercy-rule win that ended 11-0.

This set up a semifinal game on Tuesday against the hosts, Los Banos.

Following a tight contest, Turlock American came away with a 4-0 shutout to continue their clean sheet with a standout performance from the pitching staff in that game that combined for six shutout innings.

“When we started this game, I told the kids to play the best and if not, we had them the next day,” said Keyler.

Braydon Keyler started for the Turlock Americans as he went all five innings and finished with 69 pitches thrown in the shutout, allowing just a pair of hits against Atwater on Thursday.

Aidan De Los Santos finished the game with a pair of hits and three RBI. Keyler added two hits and two doubles while Cam Kelley finished with two hits and Cruz Contreras added a pair of RBI.

Following the first inning, the score was even at 0-0.

“Started off slow and got two runs in second inning, then exploded for five runs in the fourth inning,” said Keyler.

At this point they went up 8-0 heading into the fifth inning.

Two more runs were added to the total of nine hits combined for the game and one error.

“Turlock fielding was incredible and pitching was great, 25 runs to zero, didn’t give up a run in three games. Braydon, Cruz, Cam Kelley and Mason, only four totals pitched, no runs,” said Keyler. “The pitching was extremely solid and it falls down to the kids and their desire and their ability to trust their skills. We look forward to section and get some rest and get ready. We will enjoy the victory and go from there.”

The Turlock Americans outscored all three opponents, 25-0, while cementing a perfect 3-0 record.

“Going 3-0 was a tremendous feat and a huge accomplishment. They used their skills and abilities and they learned so much and they know what to do. They are smart and that is why I picked them. I knew this was the best opportunity for Turlock American to go far in the tournament,” Keyler added. “I know that the competition will be stiff and difficult, we will need to play our game, hustle and be mentally focus. Our chances are good, but we need to be ready to play every night and hit the strike zone, nothing down the middle since it will be a different challenge, we know that.”

The Section 6 Tournament is slated to kick off from Sunrise Little League’s home field at Christa McAuliffe Middle School at 10 a.m. July 13.