Maryland Orioles storm to AAABA title, 19-0

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Wearing the name of the late Walter Youse imprinted in white on their black under-sleeves, the Maryland Orioles rolled to a 19-0 rout of Johnstown in the All-American Amateur Baseball Association 20-and-under national championship game last night.

It was Baltimore's record 21st national title. The previous 20 were won under Youse, who died last year.

"The tradition Walter established means a lot to us," said Orioles coach Dean Albany.

Shane Justis went 4-for-5 with two runs and three stolen bases, while tournament Most Valuable Player Kevin Hart (Maryland) had two hits - including a grand slam - and five RBIs to pace a 17-hit attack for the winners.

The Orioles held Johnstown to one hit, a shot off the glove of left-hander Joe Coudon (Rising Sun, Delaware) in the third inning. Coudon struck out five and walked two in five innings before coming out with a blister on his left middle finger.

Justin Hulse (Good Counsel) closed out the last two innings, retiring six in a row.

Despite an estimated crowd of nearly 10,000 at Point Stadium, Johnstown has never won the AAABA tournament it has played host to for 59 years.