The annual Helena Babe Ruth Fourth of July All-Star Invitational Tournament kicked off Thursday night with the Bozeman 14U defeating Helena, 11-6, in five innings.

The tournament resumes pool play today and Saturday at Ryan-Exchange Fields, beginning at 8 a.m. both days.

There are 42 teams competing in the tourney, in five different age-groups; 10U, 11-12U, 13U, 14U and 15U. Most of the participants are Montana clubs, although there are also several squads from Canada, Idaho and Washington.

Seven local area teams are entered in the competition.

The 10-12U teams will be playing on diamonds comprised of 60-foot base paths, while the 13-15 year old's games will take place on fields with 90-foot base paths.

There is no gate fee for the tourney, and the concessions will be handled by a group of Montana veterans.

In the Helena-Bozeman contest, which was the only game held Thursday, Bozeman's Ryan Westlake pitched the win and helped his cause with two hits. Brendan Bryant relieved for the save, while teammates Cody Cooper and Nate Lamberty stroked three and two hits, respectively.

"We went 0-4 in the Spearfish (SD) tournament last weekend, so it feels good to get that first win," said Bozeman coach Bill Lamberty, who is the sports information director for Montana State University.

The young Helena club, which is composed of mostly 13-year olds -- having just four members being 14 -- was led offensively by Zach Grobel, Zion Goetz and Alex Delahunt, who each rapped doubles. Starter Tanner Rook was bridled with the loss.

"In order to win, you have to execute the fundamentals; fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching. And we didn't do that," Capital City coach Bill Rook said. "Yes, we're young, but we're capable of playing much better."

Last weekend the Helena 14U placed third in the Belgrade tournament.

The Fourth of July tourney will conclude Sunday with single elimination play, with the championship games scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the Web site at helena.baberuthonline.com, or phone 202-1759.

Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net