Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Opp, Alabama catcher Will Jackson tags out Torrance, California's Nori Mori attempting to score during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Giving up just five runs through its first two games of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, the Pacific Southwest Region champions from Torrance, California, established themselves as one of the best defensive teams at the tournament.

On Tuesday, in Game 15, Torrance solidified itself as the top defensive team when it defeated Opp, Alabama 9-0 to clinch the No. 1 seed in the American Division.

After an off day Saturday, Torrance (3-0) posted two dramatic victories in extra innings to begin its tournament. In the only shutout of the tournament thus far, there was no need for late-game heroics. That was largely thanks to starting pitcher Noah Sandoval.

Sandoval was the epitome of efficiency, working through the Opp (1-2) lineup perfectly the first time and limiting it to just four hits over his six innings of work. Through the first two innings, Sandoval just threw 10 pitches, largely in thanks to impressive fielding behind him that did commit a single error.

Torrance’s poise in the field extended to the plate, with several players working multiple walks, and then on the basepaths swiping bags when they were available. Nori Mori went 1 for 2 with two walks, an RBI, two stolen bases and a run scored; Aiden Bui was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a stolen base; Noah Gomez worked three walks and was hit by a pitch, stole a base, and scored twice; Jacob Faamasino went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI; Tadashi Tiomico went 2 for 3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run; and both Anthony Guerra and Jaiden Hasanuma had an RBI.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Torrance, California starting pitcher Noah Sandoval delivers to the plate during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series against Opp, Alabama on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

Torrance scored its first run before an out was recorded in the bottom of the first, chasing Opp starting pitcher Porter Nelson. Opp turned the ball over to Matthew Morgan, who was able to get out of the jam with just one run against, but then in the third inning Torrance got to him too, scoring six runs.

Facing an uphill battle, Opp’s best offensive push came after going down 7-0, with the top of the lineup getting a second chance against Sandoval in the top of the fourth inning.

Cash Harrell broke up the no-hit bid when he laced a double into the gap and Nelson followed with a single to put runners on first and third. It looked like Opp would get on the board that inning, but savvy fielding prevented Harrell from reaching home when Opp went for the double steal, Torrance catcher Bui played catch with shortstop Guerra for a 2-6-2 tag out at the plate.

Opp threatened again in the top of the fifth, managing to load the bases with two outs when Clay Jackson hit a double and Talan Wicker and Morgan joined him with a walk and a hit by pitch.

Trailing 9-0, Opp began playing to prevent losing by mercy rule and managed to pull it off.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Opp, Alabama's Cash Harrell gestures toward his dugout after hitting a double during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series against Torrance, California on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

Earning the win and Ron Tellefsen Most Outstanding Player for Torrance was Sandoval, while Harrell’s 2-for-3 performance with the double made him the Opp recipient of the award.

If Opp hopes to make it through to the playoff round on Thursday, it will need to defeat Broomall Newtown, Pennsylvania in Wednesday’s 4:30 p.m. game to push through. Opp still can make it through with a loss, but it will then be very focused on the Torrance-Jamestown game which follows at 7 p.m., needing a Torrance win to keep the hosts from advancing.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Torrance, California's Nori Mori follows through on a single during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series against Opp, Alabama on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Torrance, California's Noah Gomez slides safely into third base after a wild pitch as Opp, Alabama's Cash Harrell receives a late throw during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Torrance, California second baseman Matthew Gonzalez throws to first base during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series against Opp, Alabama on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.

Times Observer photo by Matt Spielman Opp, Alabama second baseman Dawson Cox fields a groundball in front of Torrance, California's Matthew Gonzalez during Game 15 of the Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series on Tuesday at Diethrick Park in Jamestown, N.Y.