EASLEY—Nick Schmidt scattered six hits over six innings, but only allowed one run as Thousand Oaks, Calif., defeated Chicago, Ill., 4-1 Friday morning pool play for the Big League World Series on Field 1 of the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex.

California moves to 3-0 in pool play, practically assuring the team of a spot in Tuesday night’s semi-finals. California will next play the U.S. Southwest representatives from Rushton, La., 7:30 p.m., in the final pool-play session of the Big League World Series.

Illinois drops to 0-3, and only has a game against the U.S. Southeast representatives from Florida Monday afternoon to complete its schedule for the 2009 BLWS.

California started the game by earning two runs in the bottom of the first inning. James Brady reached bas on a walk. Dustin Kahle then singled to put runners on first and second. Both runners moved over a base on a sacrifice bunt. Matt Tocynkski then hit an infield single that scored Brady from third base. Kahle then scored on a single by Tim Ginther, giving California a 2-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Illinois answered with a run. With two outs, T. J. Bujanski reached base on a single, then advanced to second on a Kevin Crowley single. Bujanski stole third base, then scored on a throwing error.

California then scored two more runs in the fifth inning. Trevor O’Shea opened the inning with a single. O’Shea stole second then scored when Dustin Kahle reached base due to a throwing error.

A double by Danny Leon, coupled with a throwing error, allowed Kahle to score, giving California a 4-1 lead after five innings.

Dakota Fog came in for California in the seventh inning to pick up the save.

Zach Smerz picked up the loss for Illinois.