Moorpark Takes a Basic Approach

SAN BERNARDINO — Moorpark returned to its winning ways Wednesday night at the Little League Western Regional, ways that include waiting to generate offense and strong pitching from an unimposing source.

And Erik Johnson even got a pitch to swing at.

After being walked intentionally four times in a loss to Hawaii on Tuesday, the Moorpark slugger batted leadoff in an attempt to force Rock Springs, Wyo., to try to get him out.

Johnson was hit by a pitch and walked twice--once intentionally--before coming up with the bases loaded in the fifth and drilling a line-drive double that scored two runs and helped propel Moorpark to a 7-0 victory.

Moorpark (16-3, 4-1 in regional play) will play either Reno or Issaquah, Wash., tonight at 8. The winner must defeat Pearl City, Hawaii twice Friday to advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

David Burckin, a slender right-hander with a good knuckle-curve and nearly sidearm delivery, shut out Rock Springs for five innings before giving way to Johnson.

Burckin, 2-0 in the regional, has not allowed a run in 8 2/3 innings.

Rock Springs (7-2, 2-2) had at least one runner in each inning, but Burckin was helped by two double plays.

“I was confident without trying to be overconfident,” said Burckin, who allowed three hits and struck out three. “My arm felt good and my pitches were working. It felt real good when we scored all those runs.”

Moorpark, which has held a large early lead only in the game it eventually lost to Pearl City, clung to a 1-0 advantage until exploding in the fifth. Five singles, two walks and Johnson’s double were parlayed into six runs.

Mike Lopez and Aaron Garcia opened the inning with singles, and with one out Matt Davenport singled home a run.

Burckin walked and pinch-hitter Brandon Williams drove in a run by grounding into a force play. A walk to Keith Pabers loaded the bases for Johnson.

“Oh, no, now we have to pitch to him,” a parent of a Rock Springs player wailed from the stands as Johnson strode to the plate.

His double was followed by run-scoring singles from Blake Sharpe and Lopez.

“It felt really good to finally get a pitch,” said Johnson, who scored Moorpark’s first run on a single by Garcia in the third.

Moorpark had 10 hits--its most in five regional games. Manager Hector Garcia attributed the loud bats to a double session of batting practice. The team hit early in the morning, then again before the 5 p.m. game.

“Batting practice works,” he said. “It pays off.”

Moorpark 7, Rock Springs (Wyoming) 0

Rock Springs: 000 000 -- 0 4 2

Moorpark: 001 06x -- 7 10 1

Wilmetti, Curtis (3), Brecheisen (5) and Todd. Burckin, Johnson (6) and Pabers.

W--Burckin. L--Wilmetti.

2B:RS--Hurd; MP--Johnson.

Records: Rock Springs 7-2, 2-2. Moorpark 16-3, 4-1.