Northampton head baseball coach Mick Sugra knows his team must have the vital pieces in place for the Konkrete Kids to continue a memorable season.

For the Kids, it is about pitching, defense and timely hits a trifecta of elements that can produce a deep tournament run.

In their opening PIAA District 11 Class AAA game against Bangor, the Kids received what they needed in a 5-0 shutout over the Slaters Monday afternoon.

With the win, Northampton (14-8) moved on to face Liberty in the next round Wednesday afternoon, which came after Press deadlines.

Lefthander Noah Durnin struck out six, walked three, and scattered five hits in the effort. He earlier no-hit Parkland in a win that has been a season-changer for the Kids.

"It wasn't his best effort, but it was a good workmanlike one from him," said Sugra. "He allowed a runner to get to third in the first inning and then worked out of the jam. He made big pitches in big spots and he has done that all season for us.

"His best effort was the Parkland game, but this one was also huge."

The Kids also received some timely first-inning hitting from Collin Shambo, who lined a two-run triple and helped provide an early cushion for Durnin.

"It was nice to get out to a lead," said Sugra. "It gave Noah some room to work. It was good for us because their (Bangor) pitcher got into a groove and retired nine or 10 straight batters. We then let our defense do the work after that and we came up with some big plays."

EPC first-teamer Ian Csencsits and Will Stackhouse added RBI singles later in the game and Teddy Ancelitz chipped in with an RBI sacrifice bunt. Stackhouse ended the game when he began a third-to-second-to first double play after the Slaters had loaded the based with one out.

Still, Sugra hopes his team can remain consistent down the stretch with their keys to success. Nick DiMieri was scheduled to get the call on the mound for the Kids against Liberty Wednesday.

"We're streaky," he said. "I have to remember that these are high school kids. One day we're good defensively and another day we're not. We're on when we can get a good pitching performance with defense and timely hitting.

"If we are missing one or two of those things, we can be in trouble. But when we put it all together, we can be a very good baseball team that is hard to beat."