Pirates remain unbeaten in Pony League
The Pirates have been sailing on smooth waters throughout the season.
Only the Yankees, who entered the game with only two losses, were within shouting distance of the unbeaten Bucs.
The teams clashed Monday in Brainerd Parks and Recreation Pony League action. The Pirates sailed to a 5-0 advantage before the Yankees rallied for three runs in the top half of the sixth inning. The game ended with runners at the corners as the Pirates improved to 12-0 with a 5-3 victory.
Blake Eller pitched a complete game. He struck out eight batters and scattered five hits to pick up the win.
The Pirates jumped to a 2-0 advantage in the first inning as Keith Yde walked and Brady Prince smacked a two-run homer.
The Pirates added two runs in the third as Blake Eller led off with a single and Prince walked before Grant Eller stoked a two-run single.
In the fourth, Chris Yde doubled and scored on a single by Justin O'Day.
Stymied through five innings, the Yankees finally mounted an attack. With one out, Cliff Edberg and Garrett Warren hit back-to-back singles and Nate Webber walked to load the bases. Kyle Holbrook cleared the bases with a double.
Blake Eller struck out the next batter and, following a walk, induced a ground out to end the game.