Erickson On a Home Run Binge For All-Stars

Ryan Erickson hit leadoff home runs in the Manhattan Beach Little League Senior All-Stars' past two games, first in the championship game of the sectional tournament and then in the first round of the Division 3 Tournament.

On Monday, after doubling in his first at-bat, the Mustangs' third baseman hit a third home run in as many games, this one a grand slam that propelled Manhattan Beach to a 7-2 victory over Murphy Ranch in he second round of the division tournament at Caruthers Park in Bellflower.

The blast ripped open what had been a tight game, with Manhattan Beach starter Turner Conrad allowing only one run through four innings. Conrad drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fourth with a bloop single to center field before the Mustangs loaded the bases with two outs and Erickson crushed a 3-1 pitch over the fence in left field.

The Manhattan Beach Little League advances in the winner's bracket and on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. will play El Monte for a spot in the tournament finals.

Bret Collins, the starting left fielder for the Mira Costa High varsity, also had two hits for Manhattan Beach, along with Erickson and Conrad. Collins drove in Erickson with the Mustangs' first run with a double to center in the first inning.