DIXIE STATE: The Pacific West Conference flexed their collective muscle during Wednesday's first-round games in the 2009 Pacific West Conference Little World Series. The host club, Dixie State, earned itself a prized spot in the winner's bracket semifinal with a convincing 24-8 win in seven innings over the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras at Bruce Hurst Field.

Skyler Southwick gave up three runs in the first, but quickly recovered and struck out 10 batters en route to victory. At one point, Southwick struck out six batters in a row.

DSC's offense backed up the pitching blasting 24 runs on 17 hits and capitalizing on eight Rio Piedras errors. Brett Adams and Jesse Stone each had three hits, but Drew Oldfield stole the show with a towering grand slam in the Red Storm's 14-run fifth inning.

In earlier action on Wednesday, Grand Canyon University opened up the LWS with an 8-4 triumph over UPR-Mayaguez. Kevin Burbank tossed a complete game striking out five. Austin Stockfisch led the Lopes with two RBI.

Hawaii Pacific University easily defeated UPR-Bayamon in seven innings 20-5... Caelan O'Meara struck out seven batters in four innings to notch the win. Cheyenne Hirota plated three runs and Sean Winston had three hits.

The Pacific West Conference schools remain in the winner's bracket while all three Puerto Rican schools will now battle from the one-loss bracket.

Day two of the LWS on Thursday will feature three more games. Please refer to the schedule below for matchups and times.

DAY TWO – PAC WEST LITTLE WORLD SERIES

Game Four: UPR-Mayaguez vs. UPR-Bayamon at 11am (winner advances to Game Seven, loser plays in Saturday's consolation game)

Game Five: Grand Canyon vs. Hawaii Pacific at 3pm (winner advances to Game Six, loser moves to Game Eight in the one-loss bracket)

Game Six: GCU/HPU winner vs. Dixie State at 7pm (winner advances to the PLWS Championship Game on Saturday, loser moves to Game Ten in the one-loss bracket)