Huggler joked after the Section 3 championship game that starting Caster was the best decision he’s made so far this summer.

Given the result, it seems that’s the case. Caster threw an absolute gem in the Section 3 championship game, throwing all six innings, allowing just two singles and striking out 10 batters as his defense did the rest behind him in the field.

“This is his third year. He plays travel ball for me and he actually pitched against this team the first time and the rule of baseball is you always got to show a different arm,” Huggler said. “I just had faith in him and ran him back out there today. It’s probably the best decision I made so far.”

If you aren’t familiar with this year’s Tri-Town team, just know they aren’t lacking pitching at all. Tri-Town has a lot of depth on the mound and has five players that can throw, and throw effectively at that.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Tri-Town Little League player Kameron Caster paints a "T" on Cameron Kriner before going on a parade to celebrate their district and sectional titles on Monday. The team comprised of players from Montgomery, Muncy and Hughesville play in the first round of states against West Point in Newville on Wednesday. Caster threw a gem in the Section 3 championship game against Blue Mountain and showcased the depth Tri-Town has in its pitchers.

Caster had a gem on Thursday and also in the winners’ bracket final. Lyle Huggler had standout performances in districts. Kellynn Wool threw five outstanding innings against Keystone in the District 12 championship.

Add in two more arms and it’s tough to get a hit against Tri-Town, let alone multiple.

“Our biggest strength is pitching and defense. I have five kids that can pitch and I think that’s probably our biggest strength and with the way our defense is playing, we only need a couple runs here and there and big timely hits to win a game,” manager Huggler said. “I think that’s our key.”

Through eight games played, Tri-Town’s defense has committed just five errors. All of Tri-Town’s players know their role on the field, and execute it well without allowing teams to take advantage of errors or miscues. It’s what’s helped lead this team to the state tournament.

Tri-Town has a great infield that backs up whoever is on the mound which consists of players such as Wool, Huggler, Caster, Kameron Caster, Beaux Richmond and Jameson Smith and outfielders such as Roman Meckbach, Jase Spangler and Conner Gordner. There’s also standouts like Cash Jumper, Brayden Swartz and Cam Kriner who fill in wherever needed, be it in the field or coming up with timely hits in the lineup.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Lyle Huggler throws for Tri-Town during the Section 3 major baseball championship game against Blue Mountain at Ber Vaughn Park in Berwick. Huggler is one of five pitchers Tri-Town can throw, displaying depth at pitcher.

“For 11- and 12-year-old boys, that was our eighth game and we have five total errors in eight games,” Huggler said. “To even dream of something like this is unheard of. Our kids are pitching very well and our defense is just lights out. I think that’s definitely been great so far.”

Tri-Town’s only loss this summer came in the Section 3 championship on Wednesday in Berwick to Blue Mountain. Tri-Town didn’t dwell on it and bounced back a day later to win the sectional championship game.

So did that loss help this group refocus and gain confidence going into states?

“Yeah, absolutely,” Huggler said. “Obviously the state tournament is double elimination again, so we do have that one loss and can play on. I think it’s definitely a big confidence booster that we can battle through it.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Tri-Town pitcher Lyle Huggler meets with catcher Beaux Richmond during the Section 3 major baseball championship game against Blue Mountain in Berwick. Tri-Town faces West Point today in Newville in the first game of the Pennsylvania major baseball state tournament.