MONTICELLO, Ark. — Despite being out hit 10-5 by Nederlands, Texas, the North Kitsap 16s took advantage of five errors en route to an 8-3 win in the opening game of the 16-year-old Babe Ruth World Series Friday afternoon.

North jumped out to an early lead scoring two runs in the top of the first inning, before Nederland cut the deficit in half scoring a run in the bottom of the third.

After pushing another run across the plate in the top of the sixth inning, the NK 16s exploded for five runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a commanding 8-1 lead. However, the Texas team battled back for two runs in the bottom of half the inning as North held on for an opening game win.

With the win, North is undefeated in pool play and is scheduled to face local favorite Fort Smith, Ark. at 5:30 p.m. CST. Fort Smith played host Monticello at 8 p.m. last night. Results were unavailable at press time.

The 16s play at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14 vs. Burnsville, Minn.; and at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 16 vs. Monticello, Ark.

A full story will follow on the Aug. 11, 12, 14 games in next Wednesday’s Herald.