Already there have been some hard-fought games in the District 9 Little League All-Star Tournaments. The quality of competition has made it difficult for some teams to get in the win column despite showing up with the right level of focus and effort.

The Cape Coral National 10-11 squad dropped to 0-2 Thursday night with a 7-3 loss to South Fort Myers at Rutenberg Park. They were coming off a tough 3-0 loss to Buckingham Tuesday night.

In the loss to Buckingham Tuesday, Cape National’s Timmy Watters got the start and pitched well for 4 2/3 innings. He allowed one earned run and three hits, finishing with six strikeouts. Buckingham’s Michael Marcelak pitched 4 1/3 innings and surrendered one hit.

In an otherwise strong performance, Cape National had some miscues that proved costly.

In the top of the fourth, with two outs and runners at first and second, Buckingham beat out a slow roller for an infield hit. As one runner tried to score, Cape National made one throwing error and then a second throwing error put Buckingham up 3-0.

Cape National squandered some opportunities at the plate. They had the bases loaded in the first and second innings, but did not cash in.

Chino Bencosme doubled and Jordan Pribanic singled, accounting for Cape National’s two hits.

n 9-10: Cape Coral American North and Cape Coral American South are 1-1, while Cape National sits at 0-2, entering the third round of pool play in the 9-10 tournament Friday night.

Cape American North fell to Fort Myers American 6-0 Monday, but responded with a 12-0 victory over Cape National Wednesday. Kory Curtis and Brice Abrams combined for a no-hitter and the North offense erupted for 11 hits. Tyler Shuck led the attack, going 3-for-3 with two doubles. North makes the road trip to DeSoto Friday.

Cape American South trailed DeSoto 4-1 entering the bottom of the fifth Monday, but scored nine runs to pull off a 10-4 win. They dropped their second game against Fort Myers American 14-4 Wednesday. Jacob Barton and Robert Cobb each belted home runs, over the fence, for South. They led the game 4-3 before FM American took command. Cape South faces South Fort Myers Friday at Rutenberg Park.

Cape National has produced some exciting moments for their loyal supporters, but are searching for some more offense. They haven’t scored in their first two pool play games. They’ll host FM American Friday at Jason Verdow Park.

Each team plays five pool play games with the top two teams in each pool advancing to the championship bracket.