HTRBA 12 Year Old All Star Cole Given makes the tag on Sayerville’s Kevin Ryan. Photo by Michael A. Sabo

The HTRBA “Mercerville Maulers” fought until the last inning of the opening round of the Section 3 Little League tournament, but ended up short against a near perfect Sayreville District 10 Champs for a final score of 10 to 6.

It is is the first loss for the HTRBA 12-year-old All Star team in the quest to the Little League World Series. 

The District 12 Champs steam rolled their competition earning them their first district banner since 2004 with out a loss.

 The Maulers again, relied on the long ball to produce runs but Sayreville took advantage of rare missteps.  HTRBA committed three errors, threw three wild pitches, had a passed ball and had a runner picked off second.

“I think we’ll be fine,” manager Tim O’Sullivan said when asked how his group would bounce back from their first loss.

HTRBA Tyler Dunmeyer takes a trip around the diamond after blasting a solo shot in the 5th inining. Photo by Michael A. Sabo

Tyler Dunmeyer hit a solo homer in the 4th inning, Cole Givens hit a Grand Slam in the sixth and 2 batters later Mekai Ortiz launched a solo shot to left.

“I think we’ll bounce back (Sunday) and I think the kids learned that you have to bring it every day said Skipper Tim O’ Sullivan.

HTRBA will play on Sunday at 2pm against faces Lincroft, which fell 13-8 to Holbrook.