The Federal Way Nationals are moving on after shutting out Walla Walla 4-0 Tuesday at Hidden Valley Sports Park in the third round of the Washington State Little League baseball state tournament.

Federal Way moves on through the losers’ bracket with a game at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday against Richland.

After an impressive win against Montesano on Saturday, the Nationals lost 5-4 to Redmond North on Sunday. The Walla Walla game was more than an average win for the Nationals, being a rematch of the 2014 9-10U state tournament where Walla Walla advanced.

James Turner turned out a dominant performance, pitching 4 2/3 innings, fanning 10 hitters while allowing four hits. Aidan Mandia closed out the win, striking out two of the final hitters. Federal Way aided Turner with 10 total hits, led by Tyler Harries, who went 2 for 2 on the afternoon. Willy Hernandez provided two RBIs.

With a core that has played together since they were 8 years old, the group of 12-year-olds have a strong bond and an iron-clad defense.

“The belief with this team is defense and good pitching will win you championships,” Federal Way coach Jeff Haag said. “Because if they do not score you cannot lose. That’s exactly what happened yesterday.”