Youth Scene: McKenna Porsche finishing strong

McKenna Porsche picked up a couple of tough AAA Division victories during the week and will carry momentum into its upcoming regular-season finale.

In a Laguna Beach Little League matchup Saturday, McKenna downed Gapp Construction, 7-5. McKenna starting pitcher Presley Jones nearly pitched a complete game (5 1/3 innings) in recording the win. The 9-year-old struck out four and was backed by an excellent defense. Redmond Chesley, Corwin Allard and Gavin Genske combined for a textbook 5-4-3 double-play as Gapp was attempting to make a comeback.

Jackson Rowley added a highlight for Gapp with a hard-hit double down the line.

McKenna’s second win came Wednesday when they defeated the visiting Rancho Niguel Royals, 7-6, at Riddle Field, to become the only team from Laguna Beach Little League to defeat the Royals this season. Rex Bradshaw ended the game with a bases-loaded, walk-off single over third base in the bottom of the sixth inning.

McKenna jumped out to an early, 2-0 lead as Redmond Chesley belted his second home run of the season, a shot that cleared the fence in left field. The homer gives him a division-best two home runs for the season.

Corwin Allard and Ben Dawson handled the pitching duties for McKenna and once again were supported by fine play in the outfield. Jackson Kollock and Oliver Thompson both made big plays in the field.

McKenna closes out their regular season Saturday when they travel to face the Rancho Niguel Diamondbacks.

— Reader submission