LITTLE LEAGUE: Northridge wins District 40 championship

Northridge Little League has advanced to the Section 2 baseball tournament in Sierra Madre after winning the District 40 championship Tuesday with an 18-4 victory at Sherman Oaks -- the third time in four consecutive victories that the 11- and 12-year-olds have won by the 10-run mercy rule.

Adam Bedrossian earned the win, and David Magana hit two home runs, while Giacomo Giacomazzi, Rece Reagan, Derek Kraemer and Anthony Pineda also homered for Northridge.

The nine-team double elimination tournament also featured Encino, Canyon Country, San Fernando, Granada Hills, Frazier Mountain, Woodland Hills and Mission Hills.

Northridge opens Section 2 competition Saturday against District 51 (Antelope Valley area).

The 10 Section champions advance to the Southern California championships in Redondo Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita, followed by the Western Regionals in San Bernardino and then the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

-- Gerry Gittelson