Mike Charles pitched two shutout inning and set the tone for the Auburn 10- and 11-year-old All-Stars ina 16-3 win over Dunkirk in the first round of the sectional championship in Elmira, Saturday.

Charles finished with six strikeouts and at the plate, he added two hits and knocked in two runs.

Hunter Charles relieved Mike Charles and pitched two innings while allowing three runs. He finished with two hits and three RBIs at the plate.

Tommy Herbert rounded out the pitching with two innings of scoreless ball to finish the game.

“The defense was right behind (Herbert) today,” Auburn coach Mike Charles said. “He just put the ball in play today, (he) had good stuff working.”

Nick Petrosino and Herbert each had two hits, while Petrosino had two RBIs.

Trenton Ward had an RBI single and Jack Bergmaster knocked a double.

Justin Valentino also had a double, while Noah Christiantelli had two doubles for three RBIs.

“If we hit like we did today then tomorrow we will be fine,” coach Charles said.

Auburn advances to the semifinals and plays Wellsville today in Elmira. With a win, Auburn would play Tuesday in the championship game.

“We better bring our ‘A' game,” Mike Charles said. “Then I would feel good about our situation Tuesday with our No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers able to pitch.”

Auburn 16

Dunkirk 3