The big bat of Jacob Hall and the strong arm of George Dailey helped the North Whidbey Little League 11/12 all-stars win their opening game of the district tournament 6-1 over Central Whidbey Sunday, July 12, in Langley.

Hall broke open a close game with a three-run home run, and Dailey limited Central Whidbey to four hits while striking out 13 and walking only one.

North Whidbey, which had a bye in the first round, now takes on Sedro-Woolley at 6 p.m. Monday, July 13. Central Whidbey also plays Monday at 6 p.m, facing either Anacortes or South Whidbey.

North Whidbey led Central Whidbey 2-1 after four innings as Dailey and Central Whidbey’s Luke Vrable were locked in a pitchers’ battle. Vrable, however, had to be lifted because he reached his pitch limit, and North Whidbey rallied for four more runs.

First, two walks and a bloop hit scored one run on a close play at the plate. Then Hall crushed his homer to finish the scoring.

Central Whidbey’s offense was led by a home run by Noah Meffert.

In addition to picking up the pitching win, Dailey collected two hits on offense for North Whidbey. Josh Royek added a double, and Keegan Dunham and Will Ray added singles.

“It was a great game,” North Whidbey coach Ken Harrison said. “The team came ready to play, showing that all the long, hard practice does pay off.

“The coaches are very proud of the team playing so well in their first game.”