Sparked by a seven-run first inning, the Bethel-based Admirals Jr American Legion baseball team slugged its way to a 10-0 triumph over Westport in the first round of the 17U state tournament, at Bethel High School, on Monday.

The second-seeded Admirals, comprising mostly Newtown players as well as some Bethel athletes this summer, blanked No. 15 Westport behind pitcher Dylan Champagne's one-hit performance over six innings. Champagne struck out eight and walked two in a mercy-rule victory which ended an inning early.

The Admirals got two hits and three runs batted in off the bats of Sam Grossano and Kenneth Malin. Stephen Spinella had three hits, and William Huegi, Ben Harrison, and Harry Eppers all had two hits; Stefano Dimeglio also had a knock as the Admirals compiled 14 base hits. Harrison and Grossano each scored two runs. Mike Liberante walked, drove in a run, and scored a run; and Huegi had an RBI and run scored.

Single runs in the fourth and sixth innings rounded out the Admirals' scoring. With the win, the Admirals moved on to face No. 7 Stratford in the second round.

The Admirals captured the Zone 5 regular-season championship.