The race for Pennsylvania’s Little League All-Star Tournament championship is underway and on Saturday at Billy Angst Stadium, two familiar contenders — Anthracite and Tamaqua — met in both team’s opener.

Both programs have experienced championship success, but it was Tamaqua that came alive after a slow start, erupting late for a 12-2, five-inning victory in the double-elimination tournament.

The game featured typical early all-star jitters, including walks, errors and shaky footing.

Tamaqua took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Anthracite tied the game in the top of the second without recording a hit and added its only other run in the fourth.

Meanwhile, the Raiders capitalized on opportunities. They scored two runs in the second inning after taking advantage of a pair of walks. Game MVP Jake Kufro delivered a two-run single and later ended the game with another RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, highlighting a six-run rally.

In between, the Raiders loaded the bases with the help of five walks, five wild pitches and no hits.

“We took advantage of situations and we were alert running the bases,” Tamaqua manager Brian Smith said. “I know that we (struggled) hitting the ball, but our (patience) at the plate was just as important.”

That patience paid off. Tamaqua finished with six hits, including two from Kufro, who drove in three runs. Bryce Bailey added a two-run single, while Abram Graver, Grayson Smith and Finnegan Davis each contributed a single.

Anthracite actually held a brief edge in hits. Austin Schaffer delivered an RBI single, while Calvin Krisak and Anthony Colanceeco also collected hits.

Winning pitcher Abram Graver struggled early before finding his rhythm. He dominated over the final three innings with his fastball. Although he allowed an unearned run in the fourth, he struck out three consecutive batters in the third inning on 12 pitches, escaped another threat with two more strikeouts in the fourth and finished the game with a nine-pitch fifth inning.

“When he gets it going he is a tough (pitcher),” the Tamaqua skipper proclaimed. “Our (issues) right now are hitting, but I seen some good signs as the game went on…. Hopefully we can came out better prepared to hit in our next game.”

Anthracite missed a golden opportunity in the second inning. The Coal Barons drew two walks with one out before Tamaqua turned a key double play. Pitcher Gerber fielded a comebacker, looked to second with shortstop Smith covering and then relayed to first baseman Davis to end the threat.

“My hat goes off to them, especially the way they did that double-play,” Anthracite manager Trevor Krisak said. “Yeah we had our struggles with things, I still think we have a pretty good team… we are still alive and we just need to hang together.”

Smith said the new District 18 alignment has created some unfamiliar matchups.

“Things are all new to us, except for a few teams, now we have teams in the Poconos and we are not familiar with.”

And Smith knows his team will be a target throughout the tournament.

“Two-time district champions… there’s a bullseye on our back.”

Better to be the hunted. Pressure is nothing new, only a few new faces.

GOLDEN GLOVE ... Tamaqua left fielder Mason Murphy made a highlight-reel catch in the fourth inning, taking a hit away from Owen Demanovich with one out.

QUOTE OF THE GAME ... “It’s getting late, and it’s too late.” That gem came from former District 18 commissioner Jim Burns while discussing aging. Only an Irishman could deliver such a line in a lighter moment.

TURF TRY ... The ever-enthusiastic Tamaqua Little League president continues pushing for more turf at the field. The pitching mound already features partial turf. Give him time — it may happen. He’s a mover and shaker.

BACK HERE ... The Raiders return home Thursday for their next game. Anthracite will also be at home for Game 2.

Anthracite 010 10 - 2 3 4

Tamaqua 123 06 - 12 6 2

Krisak, McCormick (3) and Demanovich; Graver and Runk. W - Graver. L - Krisak.