Prior to the losers bracket quarterfinals against Manchester Westside, the Goffstown 11- and 12-year-old Little League allstar team maintained a 1.24 ERA and a .333 batting average.

Following a 10-0 mercy-rule win on Monday, July 14, it’s safe to say the boys improved those already sterling numbers.

“We’ve been waiting for a game like this,” said manager Bill Mount. “They were focused and patient. The kids haven’t hit the ball this well all tournament.”

That’s not to say those on the field haven’t been playing well, even excelling at times. The locals opened the tournament with a 3-0 win against Suncook before smashing Auburn, 17-0, in the winners bracket second round.

They lost to defending champ Manchester North, 5- 3, but rebounded with an 8-0 thumping of Pelham. And on Saturday, July 12, they defeated Manchester South, 5-3, to advance to the Westside matchup.

They were scheduled to play Bedford in the losers bracket semifinals on Wednesday, July 16. Nashua plays the winner on Thursday, July 17.

“We’re 5-1 now, and we’ve got momentum on our side,” said Mount. “I think the time they’ve been playing together, because we’re in the losers bracket and playing or practicing every day, the players have really gelled.

“I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but I’d rather be playing – and going into the finals with momentum – than be North, sitting there waiting.”

Tyler Perron and Chris Garrison have rotated starts and stymied opposing batters throughout the tourney, and Jacob Mount has anchored the defense from behind home plate.

In fact, the younger Mount has four putouts in the last three contests, none bigger than a play against Manchester South. In the bottom of the sixth inning with two on and no outs, Mount gunned down a baserunner attempting to steal third.

Zack Storro, the team’s relief pitcher, took care of the rest, striking out one batter and inducing a groundout.

In addition, Kyle Gauvin, Cody Fifty, Kyle Indingaro, Mike MacNeilly, Tim Riehl, Griffin Barbaro, Pat Kelsey, Ben Couture and Ashton Florence have also contributed.

“This is a solid group of kids and a great baseball team,” said Mount. “The majority of these guys have been playing together since Matty Dobens … They’re dedicated, focused and having fun.”