The Junior Turlock American All-Stars claimed total victory on Saturday, defeating the Los Banos All-Stars 6-3 in the District 73 Little League All-Star Championship game.

Saturday’s win was a near repeat of Turlock American’s semi-final game against Los Banos, in which Turlock also won, 6-3.

“It was very similar to the semi-finals,” American head coach Lance Justus said.

Turlock’s All-Stars scored a run in the bottom of the first inning, but Los Banos responded with two runs of their own in the second to take the lead. Blaine Weber, Cody Justus, and Drake Dutra helped Turlock American regain the lead in the third inning, as they scored three runs to take a two-point lead. From there, the defense took over.

“The whole team played excellent, the outfield in particular,” Justus said. “Our pitchers did very well too, but the infield and outfield did a very good job on defense.”

Turlock’s defense held Los Banos to one run in the top of the sixth before tacking on two more runs of their own, claiming the District title, and earning a spot in the Sectional Tournament that begins on Saturday.

“They’re excited to move onto the sections this weekend,” Justus said. “They’re relaxed as can be. I think we’re ready so we’ll see what happens.”

The Turlock American All-Stars will face the Sunrise All-Stars of District 8 in Ione on Saturday. The game begins at 7 p.m.