It would be understandable for any player to be anxious prior to the first game of the District 18 11-12 year-old Little League Tournament.

For many, the event represents one of the biggest opportunities of the season, offering players a chance to shine and show off their skills against a wide range of competition.Nerves didn't seem to be a problem for Franklin Township, which made the most of its chances in Friday night's opener against Tri County, cruising to an 8-2 victory.Though both teams had opportunities throughout the game, Franklin seized control in the first inning, batting around and scoring six runs. The inning started with a leadoff single from Drew Lorenz, who finished the game 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs.Tri County nearly took control in the top of the inning, after Nick Waak and Ben Hutchinson reached on back-to-back walks to start the game. Both moved into scoring position on wild pitches, but Franklin starter Zach Hunsicker settled down, striking out Landen Jadush and Dante Alucci in succession. Following Alucci's strike out, Waak was thrown out trying to come home, ending the inning."That was a big point in the game," said Franklin head coach Corey Schaeffer. "The fact that they had two guys on and didn't get any runs gave us momentum going into the bottom of the first and we were able to roll with it."The energy seemed to permeate the entire roster in the early going, as Franklin got contributions from throughout its lineup in what proved to be a pivotal juncture in the game."Everybody contributed tonight," said Schaeffer. "I feel confident with anybody I put in the game. They all did a great job."That impact wasn't just felt at the plate, as Franklin also used strong pitching to keep Tri County off the board until late in the contest.Collin Bollinger entered in relief of starter Hunsicker in the top of the third inning with Tri County threatening. With the bases loaded and one out, Bollinger struck out Alucci swinging, then closed the door with a stellar play by nabbing Brian Billig's sharply hit comebacker to the mound."He came in there and did a great job," Schaeffer said of Bollinger. "He pretty much shut it down for four innings and was able to calm everything down."Bollinger also did damage at the plate, scoring on an error in the fourth after drawing a leadoff walk to start the inning. The run gave Franklin a 7-0 advantage.Tri County finally got on the board and in the hit column in the top of the fifth when Alucci launched a two run homer over the right field fence to cut the deficit to 7-2.But Franklin responded in the bottom half when Lorenz knocked in Cal Maholik, registering his second RBI and setting the final tally.Despite the loss, Tri County coach Ed Thibeault was pleased with what he saw over the final innings of the game."I'm proud of them for sticking with it and battling," he said. "I told them that after the first inning, we played them to a 2-2 tie. If you take out those first inning jitters, maybe it's a different game."With the victory, Franklin will now travel to West Hazleton on Monday.Tri County 000 020 - 2 1 5Franklin 600 11X - 8 8 2Waak, Price (1), Chulock (5) and Hutchinson; Hunsicker, Bollinger (3) and Wentz. W - Hunsicker. L - Waak. HR: TC - Alucci (5th, one on).