WEST BRANCH - Birmingham belted a pair of home runs and ended Norway's stay in the Little League 11-year-old baseball state tournament Monday.
Birmingham blanked Norway 3-0 to wind up pool play unbeaten and qualify for the quarterfinals Tuesday.
Norway nearly advanced but Taylor gained the other quarterfinal berth from Pool A with a 5-3 victory over Richmond.
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Norway pitcher Anthony Hansen delivers and second baseman Dalton Hancheck prepares for the play in the Little League 11-year-old baseball state tournament at West Branch.
"The kids hung with them and ran the gauntlet," said Mark Doda, part of the Norway coaching staff with Mike Snyder (manager) and Dan Turini. "We're real proud of them."
Norway pitcher Hunter Riley worked all six innings.
Birmingham permitted four hits including a double and single by Landon Kaldor and singles by Ben Snyder and Bret Turini.