RUMFORD – There comes a time when a stopper is needed.

Adam Redmun filled that role perfectly for the New Auburn American Legion baseball team Thursday.

Redmun was in total control, pitching a two-hitter and striking out 14 as NAL bounced back with a 5-1 win against Northern Oxford County in Zone III action.

New Auburn (5-2) did the little things necessary and gained momentum by scoring three runs in the third inning, which was highlighted by Corey Larue’s two-run single. From that point on, it was in Redmun’s hands as the southpaw retired the final 13 batters and had at least two strikeouts in five innings. He threw 102 pitches and walked one batter.

“I felt really comfortable,” Redmun said. “Its important for me to get ahead in the count, but I wasn’t early on because I needed to get used to the mound. This was a good outing for me for strikeouts, but I had 17 for Edward Little last year.”

Post 153 had lost to cross-river rival Gayton on Wednesday, so the strong performance was welcomed. Larue was the offensive catalyst with two hits and four RBIs. Kevin Smith was a productive with a hit and two runs scored from the leadoff spot.

Northern Oxford County (3-4) simply was unable to figure out Redmun, who gave up a solo home run to Justin Staires with two outs in the third inning. Staires, who hit four homers against Gayton last Saturday, lined a shot over the fence in right-center field.

“You can’t expect to score runs if you can not hit the ball,” Northern Oxford coach Ryan Palmer said. “We had a chance early on, but wasn’t able to execute. New Auburn set the tone by being able to execute in the third. Redmun threw a great game.”

New Auburn earned a break when Chris Merrill’s fly ball was dropped leading off the third, and he raced to third on a wild pitch by Chris Cayer. Redmun walked, and one pitch later broke for second base. The ball went through the infield, and Merrill slid home safely. Smith walked and Larue singled in two.

“Adam Redmun threw strikes,” New Auburn assistant coach Norm Smith said. “(Northern Oxford) is a good team they made some good defensive plays. We really needed this win.”

Cayer led off the bottom of the first with a single, but Redmun struck out Smith, and Staires and Matt Laubauskas grounded out. Smith wore the collar with three strikeouts. Spencer Berry reached on a throwing error and Ben French walked. Aaron Fenstermacher and Nate Staires each struck out, and Derek Daley popped out.

“We had a couple chances,” Palmer said. “But we couldn’t get the bunt down three times and made a couple other mistakes.”

Northern Oxford’s saving grace was making three double plays and throwing Kyle Busiere out at home.