By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Niles F.O.P. Little League 10-year-old All-Star team qualified for the Michigan State Tournament Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Dowagiac in the District 15 championship game at F.O.P. Park.
The Niles All-Stars will travel to Jackson this weekend for the state tournament.
Kelvin Tweedy led the F.O.P. All-Stars Saturday with three singles. Justin Hughes doubled while Rashad Harris, Montrel Merritt and Nathaniel Oates each hit a single.
Dustin Craig went the distance on the mound for Niles to earn the victory.
Dowagiac threatened to steal the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. With the bases loaded and only one out, Craig struck out the last two batters to escape with the victory.
The F.O.P. 10-year-olds will be trying this week to raise funds to support their trip to Jackson for the state tournament.
Anyone willing to donate toward this cause may send donations to F.O.P. Baseball, 35 Sycamore Street, Niles, MI 49120.