BETHEL – Locke Mills’ trademark of scoring multiple runs was apparent again as the Mountaineers erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning, keyed by Kyle Kipikas’ game-winning hit en route to a 9-2 triumph in the opener against Andy Valley.

Kipikas rode the momentum in the nightcap by pitching a no-hitter as Locke Mills batted around twice while cruising to a 19-0 shutout.

The offense pounded out 12 hits, led by Richie Ross’ grand slam and six RBIs.

“This team is hitting well,” Locke Mills center fielder Corey Wing said. “We’ve got some older college guys like Kyle and myself, so there’s a good balance. We all get along well, plus our pitching staff is deep also, with Terry Collins and Ritchie Ross who were both effective in the Mountain Valley Conference.”

Andy Valley (3-8) was competitive in the opener behind the pitching of Scott Witherall, who was solid through four innings. The offense had scored an unearned run in the first on a Tony Pirrucello single, then rallied back to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the fifth. Bill Smith hit a leadoff double and scored when Justin Dodge grounded into a double play.

Locke Mills (9-2) scored two unearned runs in the fourth, but the floodgates opened as 14 batters went to the plate in the fifth. Anthony Liberti singled and Quinn McAllister reached safely again, on catchers interference. Liberti scored the first run and Nate Walker delivered a two-run single.

Every Mountaineer starter scored a run in both games, including August Reiss (two hits) and Karl Olson who raced around on Travis Brooks’ two-run single.

“We had some clutch hitting today,” Locke Mills coach Chris Olson said. “We’re also aggressive on the base paths, some people may think we’re crazy at times, but its been working out for us. (Scott) Witherall had beat us in the season opener and held us to one run. Plus, we had loaded the bases twice.”

Locke Mills rode Collins (3-0), who pitched a six-hitter. The right hander threw 39 pitches through four innings and finished with five strikeouts. Mike Chamard was the lone repeat hitter for the visitors.

“The big inning really helped me feel in control,” Collins said. “I hadn’t pitched in over a week, but I felt comfortable on the mound. I had trouble spotting the ball early on, but I threw breaking balls in the late innings to keep them off balance.”

In the second game, Locke Mills scored eight runs in the second against AV starter Zach Charles. The first six batters reached safely, including Chris Cayer, who laid down a well-placed bunt.

The big hits were a pair of two-run doubles by Olson and McAllister, who each had two hits. Locke Mills sent 13 and 12 batters to the plate in the second and fourth, respectively. Other repeat hitters were Wing (three runs) and Kipikas.

Andy Valley had plenty of chances, but left six runners on base in the first three innings. Kipikas had control issues, but finished with eight strikeouts, five walks and two hit-batsmen. He didn’t allow a ball out of the infield.

“That was quite a no hitter,” coach Olson said. “Both Kyle and Terry pitched strong games. We’re getting the job done both offensively and defensively.”