The Nashua Babe Ruth 14U All-Stars took a major step toward advancing to bracket play with a 4-1 win late Saturday night at Soggy Bottom Lodge Field in Demopolis, Ala. over Alabama state champion Phenix City.

Pitcher Nick Shaw was Nashua’s Player of the Game as he tossed 6 2-3 innings of two-hit, one run (unearned) ball. He struck out three.

In fact, Shaw reminded Nashua coach Todd Holbrook of his former Bishop Guertin teammate Walter Wrobleski, the key pitcher from the 1987 Cardinals state title team.

“Nick doesn’t get rattled,” Holbrook said. “Reminds me of Walter, not overpowering, but works both sides of the plate, consistently throws his curve for strikes.  Keeps them off balance.  Quiet, quiet kid, all the other kids love him.”

Nate Smith pitched to two batters in the seventh, recording the final out for the save. The game didn’t start until just over 90 minutes after its scheduled time due to an hour-plus rain delay that held up the

Meanwhile, Ryan Bourgeois and Colin Holbrook sparked the offense. Bourgeois had a two-run double in the first and Holbrook a pair of RBI singles in the third and sixth innings. Ian Deluca reached base three times.

The win evens Nashua’s record at 1-1 in the Black Warrior Division, and also dropped Phenix City to 0-3, basically eliminating the Alabama state champ from any chance at bracket play.

Nashua will now face Southeast Region champ Fort Caroline, Fla.at 5:15 p.m. EDT Sunday, and its final pool play game will be Monday at 7:45 p.m. EDT vs. West Linn, Ore., the Pacific Northwest champ.

West Linn is currently 0-2 after losing Saturday to 3-0 Eagle Pass, who beat Nashua on the tourney’s opening day.Thursday.

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