The Auburn Suburban 14/15 Babe Ruth All-Stars have advanced to the Maine State Babe Ruth Tournament which begins Saturday at Deering Oaks in Portland.

ASLL first defeated Elliot Ave. Babe Ruth of Lewiston by the score of 7 to 1 behind the strong pitching of starting pitcher Evan Raymond and solid relief pitching from Michael Hammond and Tyler Schaefer. The trio limited Elliot to one hit while striking out six.

Auburn got on the board with two runs in the first as Hammond led off things with a double and scored on a Llewelyn Jensen single. After stealing second base Jensen scored on another single by Raymond. Auburn scored four more in the second when Alex Brushwein led off with a single, stole second and scored on a Drew Lashua single.

Brandon Varney then singled, and three consecutive walks forced in two more runs. The fourth run of the inning was scored on a fielder’s choice by Brandon Knapp.

Elliot then brought in Kyle Ullrich, who limited Auburn to one run over the final five innings.

Hammond, Raymond and Varney were repeat hitters for Auburn.

In its next game, Auburn topped Tri-County South 6-3 behind the starting pitching of Llewllyn Jensen, who pitched 6 2/3 innings in 90-degree heat to earn the victory.

Tyler Schaefer came in to record the final out to earn the save.

Auburn used aggressive baserunning stealing five bases and Jensen helped out his of cause at the plate as he went 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs.

Tri-County threatened throughout the game but Auburn’s strong defense kept turning them away by turning two double plays at key moments of the game.

Auburn was able to put some distance between them and Tri-County in the sixth inning when Matt Keaney singled, Luke Sterling walked and Michael Hammond was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Jensen then delivered one of his four hits as he singled home two.

Auburn Suburban opens up the state tourney against Midcoast on Saturday at 10 a.m.