Josh Ames was a perfect 6-for-6 in the state tournament as Baxter Springs Little League captured its 17th state title -- and its third in four years -- with consecutive shutout wins over Tri-State Little League.

In the opener, Ames also struck out 13 batters and fired a one-hitter, while Darryl Dinger keyed the offense with a two-run single in the third and a two-run homer in the fifth. In the title-clinching victory, Dinger scattered three hits on the mound and sparked a seven-run second inning with a grand slam home run. Ames also drove in four runs in the win.

Baxter Springs equaled the best finish ever by a Kansas team by finishing third at the Central Region Tournament behind eventual champion Dyer Little League (Indiana) and Poland Community Little League (Ohio).