Van Nuys Team Beats Guam, 15-5, in Babe Ruth Play

Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks defeated a team from the western Pacific island of Guam, 15-5, on Tuesday to advance in a Babe Ruth regional tournament in Taylorsville, Utah.

Pitcher Brian Smith allowed 10 hits in five innings before giving way to Mark Kurtz, who pitched two hitless innings in relief. Smith, who recorded the win, helped his cause by hitting two home runs. He was one of three Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks players to collect three hits. The others were Robbie Davis and Jason Edwards.

Davis’ grand slam in the fourth inning keyed a six-run outburst that blew open a 5-1 game.

“The kids are just hitting the ball really well,” Coach Dave Kramer said. “We have scored in double figures in our last eight games. Plus, we’re getting outstanding defensive play.”

Against Guam, Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks had 16 hits and scored in every inning.

The victory was the team’s second of this regional tournament and eighth in postseason play. Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks defeated Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday and will face the winner of the Tuesday night’s Oakland-Utah game Thursday night.