La Verne's Murderers Row, from left: Ryan Stonehouse, Matt Kurnik and Joe DeFina.

Move over 1927 New York Yankees. Sure, you had your murderers’ row with players like Earle Combs, Mark Koenig, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Meusel and Tony Lazzeri.

But did you have Ryan Stonehouse, Joe DeFina and Matt Kurnik of La Verne, who last night at Marchant Park in San Dimas went a combined 11-for-12, including five home runs and 12 RBIs, to help defeat Glendora American 19-4 to set up a rematch against Glendora National at 5 p.m. today?

Hitting in the two-hole, Stonehouse went a perfect 4-for-4, including hitting a two-run homer and a solo shot in his final two at-bats. He also doubled.

Meanwhile, DeFina, after singling in the first inning, hit a grand slam and solo shots in his final three at-bats, the last striking the left field foul pole. His three home runs gave DeFina 20 for the season, sending statisticians scurrying to the history books to see if any player in Little League lore has ever hit more.

Kurnik put La Verne on the board with an opposite field three-run homer in the first inning. He also doubled and singled and in two other appearances.

As a team, the La Verne 11-12 All-Stars pounded out 20 hits and seven home runs. Griffin Mulvey also homered for La Verne. Also helping light up the scoreboard were Luke Russell who was 3-for-3 with three singles and a pair of RBIs.

Almost overlooked was Stonehouse’s mastery on the mound, where he struck out five of the first six hitters he faced. Nick Litwin and Matt Kurnik finished up on the hill.

With so much thunder in the lineup, La Verne returns to Marchant Park and appears confident to face the team that defeated them in the opener 12-2. The players in the dugout and the fans in the stand believe the true La Verne team showed up on Friday and will again tonight.

“We’re ready to kick some butt,” said Stonehouse, whose father Paul manages the team.

Who’s going to argue with the kid? Everything seems to be clicking for La Verne. Kurnik’s three-run blast in the first inning was his first homer of the season, so the team seems to be peaking at the right time.

If you want to see some early 4th of July fireworks, come out to the ballpark tonight to watch La Verne play and prepare to see some more Ruth-like performances!

Cost + Mattress in La Verne is also hitting the ball out of the park with savings up to 20% on its mattresses. Call Paul at (909) 392-5554 for great savings. Paul is a great supporter of youth baseball!