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Outlaws too much for American Samoa

ST. GEORGE, Utah  - Baseball conditions in the United States are vastly different than conditions in American Samoa.

Everything from field condition to preparation level differs, and that difference was made evident in the opening game of the exhibition schedule for the American Samoa national team, as the Utah Outlaws dominated in a 12-0 victory at Dixie State's Bruce Hurst Field.

The difference in playing experience played a large factor in the game, American Samoa coach Brent Haring said.

"There's no doubt about the difference in experience," Haring said. "You've got kids that have been playing their whole lives, playing 60, 70 games a year facing off against kids who play eight games a year, so there is an experience issue."

The Outlaws pounced on the American Samoans early, taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning via bloop hits and walks.

The club team, which is composed of several Region 9 All-Stars, greatly enjoyed the opportunity to face off against a national team like the American Samoans.

"I thought it was really cool that they came down here," said Kameron King, a former Canyon View star. "They were all talking and having fun."

King, who was a multi-sport star at Canyon View where he led the Falcons to the 2012 Region 9 baseball title, paced the Outlaws offensively, scoring three runs, including a line-drive home run over the wall in left-center field to give the Outlaws a 11-0 lead in the fifth inning.

"Honestly, when I hit it, I thought I popped it up, but I guess it worked out," King said.

Despite struggling offensively, the American Samoans did have a few notable performances from their pitching staff, including starting pitcher Jason Laolagi.

The 18-year-old Laolagi, who hails from the village of Faganeanea in American Samoa, struck out the game's first batter, finishing with four strikeouts on the night.