File photo – The McKinleyville 9 and 10 All-Stars are now just two wins away from a state title.

The McKinleyville bats came ready to play on Wednesday night, racking up 17 hits in a 14-1 rout of Land Park at the 9 and 10-year-old Little League All-Star state tournament in Rocklin.

After playing in three straight one-run games, the Mack all-stars left little doubt as to who was the better team this time around, defeating the same team that handed them their only loss of the tournament, 2-1 on Sunday.

It was McKinleyville’s fifth game in five days, and third straight elimination clash, and the players showed no signs of fatigue, setting the tone early and never relenting.

McKinleyville scored runs in five of the seven innings, including five in the top of the third to open up an 8-0 advantage.

The Mack all-stars have been almost unstoppable for the past month and are now 11-1 in that time, including going 4-1 at the state tournament.

Hunter Carper led Wednesday’s offensive onslaught with three hits and three RBIs, while several players finished with two hits, including Rhythm Green, who also had three RBIs.

Joe Tanno, Cody Wilson, Lincoln Hungerford and Gunner Coleman each also had two hits, while Tate Saso had a hit, two walks and two RBIs.

Team pitching and defense was just as effective, with starter Bode Reininger holding the Land Park bats to just two hits in six-plus innings, before Lucas Jones came in to close out the game.

McKinleyville is now two wins away from a state title, but must get the better of undefeated Cambrian Park (3-0) twice.

The two teams play on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., and again on Friday at 6:30 p.m., if necessary.

The Mack bats started strong against Land Park, with hits from Tanno, Carper and Green in the top of the first leading to a quick three-run lead.

Reinger started just as well on the hill, retiring the first eight batters he faced, before allowing his first hit of the game.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.