O.C. Cardinals, Clayton Beat Tucson in Regionals

Craig Clayton pitched an eight-hitter with 10 strikeouts to lead the Orange County Cardinals to a 5-3 victory over Tucson, Ariz., in the opening round of the Connie Mack League Pacific Regionals at Chabot College in Hayward.

Clayton, a right-hander from Loara High School, allowed three runs in the fifth inning, but struck out five of the final six batters.

Troy Babbitt and Doug McConthy, both from Western High School, hit home runs in the first inning for the Cardinals.

The Cardinals, made up of 16-18-year-old players from Orange County, take on Scottsdale, Ariz., in the second round of the double-elimination tournament today.