The Portsmouth Little League (PLL) 10U District Team’s offense had trouble keeping up with the Lamprey River 10U All Stars in an 8-1 loss on Monday in the team’s first game of the District 2 double-elimination tournament.

Lamprey River opened the scoring with one run in the first, but the Portsmouth defense ended the inning with a throw home from shortstop Bennett Smith to catcher Marco Scardina who tagged out a Lamprey River runner trying to advance on an infield hit.

Angus McCafferty, Joey Coakley and Ryder Raizes each collected one hit for PLL, with McCafferty tallying the lone RBI. Despite nine walks, Portsmouth struggled to bring baserunners home.

Anthony Piascik earned the win for Lamprey River. The righty surrendered zero hits and unearned one over three and two-thirds innings, striking out 10 and walking five.

Pierce Gillen took the loss for Portsmouth. The righty tossed four strong innings, giving up five runs on four hits, striking out three. PLL’s defense was solid behind Gillen, and relievers Nolan Malinowski, Rory O’Brien and Josh Miller pitched well in the latter innings.

The loss sends Portsmouth (#3 seed) to a rematch versus Somersworth  (4) on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Plains Field in Portsmouth. The winner advances to take on loser of Concord (1)/Lamprey River (2) on Thursday.

The loss sends Portsmouth (#3 seed) to a rematch versus Somersworth  (4) on Tuesday at 5:30 PM at Plains Field in Portsmouth. The winner advances to take on winner of Concord (1)/Lamprey River (2) on Thursday.