McGrath Stars With Bat and Arm

Billy McGrath had two hits and pitched two innings of scoreless relief Thursday, helping Van Nuys Birmingham to a 2-1 victory over West Hills Chaminade in a District 20 American Legion baseball opener at Birmingham.

Van Nuys Birmingham scored once in the second and third innings. West Hills Chaminade scored once in the fifth.

Van Nuys Birmingham starter Joey Rubin allowed five hits in five innings, striking out four and walking two. Teammate Brendan Bartholomew had two hits.

In another District 20 game:

Tri-Cities Highland 16, Quartz Hill 6--Jon Anello drove in four runs with four hits, including a two-run triple for host Tri-Cities Highland in a game that was called after five innings because of the 10-run rule.

Ryan Ollson, Jason Allec and Jason Kubel each hit home runs for Tri-Cities.

Ollson and Kubel had run-scoring singles along with their two-run home runs, while Allec’s solo blast was his only hit.

Quartz Hill jumped out to a 3-0 first-inning lead on three singles, a walk, an error and a pair of fielder’s choices.