West End knew entering Thursday evening’s game with Pennsylvania rival Mifflin County that it won, West End was likely ensured the top seed and guaranteed spot in the 15-16-year-old Mid-Atlantic Regional championship.

West End made sure the game wasn’t close on Thursday and cruised past Mifflin County to ensure that top seed. West End defeated Mifflin County in four innings, 15-0, to go 4-0 at the regional tournament and capture the No. 1 seed. It ensures West End plays for the Mid-Atlantic Regional championship at Logue Field on Friday evening at 5 p.m.

The Nos. 2 and 3 teams from the regional tournament will face off at 11 a.m. at Logue Field with the winner advancing to play West End at 5 p.m. in the championship game.

“The kids are excited but know that we still have one big game tomorrow and the kids have to remember the game starts 0-0,” West End manager Marc Hess said.

“Our expectations are to continue to play fundamental baseball. Get timely hits when needed and our pitchers to throw strikes and our defense to continue to play error-free baseball,” Hess continued. “If all that comes together, the kids will be excited after the game.”

Nate Crowe threw a gem on the mound. The West End pitcher threw four innings and didn’t allow a single hit, walking just two batters and striking out three as West End’s defense did the rest to ensure the shutout victory.

“Nate threw the ball really good today. Only walking two and giving up no hits was a great outing and leaves us with a bunch of fresh arms for the championship,” Hess said.

Offensively, West End collected nine hits in the win. LJ Hill led the team with a 2 for 3 performance with a double and two RBIs. Trey Damschroder (1 for 4, run), Camden March (1 for 2, RBI, walk, three runs), Briar Persing (1 for 2, walk, three runs), Noah Kirby (1 for 1, two RBIs, two walks, two runs), Jaymes Carpenter (1 for 2, RBI, run), Zack Neill (1 for 1, RBI, two walks, two runs) and Cade Lusk (1 for 1, two RBIs, run) all helped spark the offense.

Carpenter and March also hit doubles.

West End jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the first inning before tacking on an additional six runs for a 13-0 lead after two. West End would score twice in the third inning before the mercy rule went into effect in the fourth.

In the first inning, March had an RBI double before Kirby connected with a two-RBI single. Zack Neill and Cade Lusk both singled as those hits, coupled with an error, brought in four runs.

The six runs in the second inning came from just two hits. A sacrifice fly, hit batter and fielder’s choice helped bring runs in. An error and walk helped drive in two runs in the third inning.

Thursday’s shutout win was the second straight game in which West End did not allow a run and also scored double digits.

“Playing good sound baseball error free and getting some timely hits,” Hess said as to what the key has been the last two games at regionals.

West End 15, Mifflin County 0

(4 INNINGS)

West End 762 0 — 15 9 0

MIfflin County 000 0 — 0 0 2

Nate Crowe and J. March. W: Crowe.

Top West End hitters: LJ Hill 2-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, BB; Trey Damschroder 1-4, run; Camden March 1-2, 2B, RBI, BB, 3 runs; Briar Persing 1-2, BB, 3 runs; Noah Kirby 1-1, 2 RBIs, 2 BB, 2 runs; Jaymes Carpenter 1-2, 2B, RBI, run; Zack Neill 1-1, RBI, 2 BB, 2 runs; Cade Lusk 1-1, 2 RBIs, BB, run.