DICKINSON, N.D. - Pinnacle Bank cashed in on J.J. Benes' performance Thursday in the opener of the Senior American Legion Central Plains Regional.

"He just didn't get behind," Pinnacle Bank (Papillion-La Vista) coach Jim Thomas said. "He just makes them use the bat."

The All-Nebraska second-teamer helped Pinnacle to a 7-0 victory with his four-hitter against Brookings (S.D.). Benes struck out eight, helping his cause by doubling and scoring a run to make it 4-0 in the third inning, then capping the scoring with an RBI single in the sixth.

"J.J. works fast, and he is just a really solid pitcher," Thomas said.

Josh Kramer added a solo homer and two-run double for Pinnacle (46-8), which advanced to face Edina (Minn.) at 5 p.m. Friday.

Thomas was pleased that his team moved on to the winners bracket.

"It was just a nice, solid ballgame against a great baseball team," Thomas said. "We were really happy with our performance.