The Harney Little League All-Stars stayed true to form as it took an early 2-0 lead over Rushmore All-Stars and would cruise to a 9-3 victory to advance to the final tonight against Canyon Lake Little League.

Harney got on the board in the second inning, taking advantage of walks and miscues from Rushmore to grab the early lead. After walking to load the bases, a hit back to the pitcher was thrown wide of the catcher, allowing the game's first runs to plate. A second run would score on a bases-loaded walk.

Harney continued to add to its lead in the third inning. After a lead off walk to Charlie Kine was able to advance all the way home on three consecutive wild pitches by Rushmore's pitcher, Trevor Laurenz.

After another run scored because of an error, Harney's Drew Stephens crushed a two-run shot to deep left to put Harney up 6-0.

Harney would add three more runs in the later innings, but left the majority of the work to pitcher Coby Carlson, who took a no-hitter into the fifth inning with one out. Carlson at that point had to leave the game because he threw the maximum number of pitches allowed for the game.

"Coby (Carlson) pitched beautifully tonight," said Harney head coach Raye Bledsoe. "We really played as a team tonight, and I look forward to matching up against Canyon Lake. It will be a great game."

Carlson gave way to his teammates who gave up three runs, but it did not tarnish his pitching efforts or his chance for his team to advance to the

regional Little League final.

"I'm really proud of my team," Bledsoe said. "They came out focused and played Rushmore hard the entire game. Hats off to Rushmore as they played extremely hard. We just took advantage of their miscues."