After four members of the 2009 state AA champion Capital High Bruins threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Batch Field, both of the two Helena 16U teams opened the Capital City Classic ASA fastpitch softball Invitational with wins.

The Helena Montana Madness beat Deer Lodge 6-3, while the Capital City Thunder defeated the Big Sky Blast 6-1.

CHS seniors Kelsi Brekke, Kalli Heller, Miranda Pace and Katie Boland threw out the first pitch simultaneously to begin the three-day tourney.

In the Madness win, Kathy Pocklington sparked the offense with a pair of ground-rule doubles, with help from speedy Caroline Cardenas, who went a perfect 3-for-3, including two bunt singles.

"I was just trying to relax up there (at the plate), and not think about anything, to keep from getting distracted," Cardenas explained.

Monica Grimsrud started on the bump and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. She finished with a two-hitter, striking out seven batters.

Grimsrud said her best pitches were the fastball, dropball and change-up. "I was moving the ball around a lot, but mainly was trying to pitch them inside," she said.

The Thunder and Blast were tied 1-all going into the sixth frame, until the Capital City crew erupted for five runs in their half of the inning.

Jenna Krum twirled a three-hitter for the victors, fanning 11 and walking just one. "My riseball and screwball were working really well," Krum said. "I kept it high and on the inside corner for most of the game, and then I switched to high and the outside part of the plate."

The offense was paced by Kaity Harrington, Amy Nordahl and Angie Boyer, with Harrington's RBI double to deep left field producing the deciding run.

"I just timed the shot, shook my butt before the pitch got there, and swung as hard as I could," Harrington said.

Coach Scott Hick's Thunder are comprised of two varsity players - Krum from Helena High and Capital's Anna Morgan. The rest of the lineup are Bruin junior varsity members.

In the 18U division, the Electric City Heat defeated the Belgrade Wolfpack 5-2. JoJo Larch was the winning pitcher. Larch and Kelli O'Brien each laced home runs for the Heat.

In the 16U age group, the Butte Magic trounced the Columbia Falls Flames, 13-1. Stroking two doubles apiece for the Magic were Alex Thatcher and Kelsey Boltz. McCall McClaferty hurled the win, giving up two hits and whiffing four.

Flames left fielder Celena Bryan was knocked unconscious in the second inning, when she missed catching a high fly, and was struck in the temple by the ball. She was helped from the field, and appeared to be alright afterwards, albeit holding an ice bag to her forehead.

The Whitefish Monsters took the measure of the Billings Bulldogs, 8-1, behind the hitting of Madison Tveidt, and the pitching of Jessie Compton.

In a 7-4 Polson Rain triumph over Havre, Macalai Wilson and Ashley Johnson both produced two hits and two RBIs apiece. Shalaina Duford collected the win on the mound.

Results from Friday's 9:30 games were not available at press time.

Play resumes today at 8 a.m., at Batch Fields, Mihelsih and Ramey Fields, and Northwest Park.