Little League baseball: Stevenson has perfect game in Bainbridge Island victory

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Bainbridge Island hitters turned in 17 hits yesterday to back up a five-inning perfect game by pitcher Robbie Stevenson, as the Washington state Little League baseball champions won their Western Region tournament opener, beating Billings Big Sky of Montana 15-0.

Stevenson, who won the state-championship-clinching game this past week in Walla Walla, struck out seven batters and contributed a single and a double on offense to lead Bainbridge. Peter Huisinga had three hits and three runs batted in, and Taurean Yamada also had three hits. Jesse Colkitt mopped up with an inning of scoreless relief.

Bainbridge Manager Don French said Bainbridge, a first-time state champion, isn't simply content to be in the tournament.

"We came to play, and we came to win. It's the same attitude we had in our state tournament," French said.

Bainbridge next plays Gastineau Channel East of Alaska tomorrow morning.

The team of 11- and 12-year-olds will play four "pool play" games through Friday. If Bainbridge finishes with one of the top four pool-play records, the team will advance to a semifinal round.

The top two teams in the 16-team regional event will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Bainbridge won the state title with a 5-1 victory over Mill Creek. Stevenson gave up just two hits in that game — his only mistake a home run by Mill Creek's Chris Lynch — and struck out 12.