GOFFSTOWN — JJ Dunn and DJ McCord led the way for Nashua in its 7-5 victory over Goffstown in the winners' bracket final of the New Hampshire Babe Ruth League 14-year-old state tournament at Allard Park on Wednesday.

Dunn grinded out seven tough innings for the complete game victory. The pitcher struck out eight Goffstown batters and allowed four earned runs on just four hits.

McCord blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the third to give Nashua a 3-2 lead. He finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Nashua moved on to Saturday's state final. It will play the winner of Friday's contest between Goffstown and either Plymouth or Keene.

“The fact that we're sort of sitting in the driver's seat for the championship wasn't something we expected. It was a place we hoped to be but we took it one game at a time,” said Nashua manager John Gunter. “This group didn't get out of districts last year so just making it here was cake. Getting out of the districts was our first challenge. Every win here has just been one step further that we didn't expect, but we're happy to take.”

Nashua was able to get to Goffstown starter Connor Walsh, who lasted just 3 1/3 innings and allowed six earned runs. Leadoff batter Mike Habibi reached base twice, adding a run and an RBI. Dunn knocked in a run of his own, while Chris Cruz and Spencer Bergera added the other hits.

“We had the hits when we needed them,” said Gunter. “With the exception of one game against Laconia when we hit well, all through this tournament we've managed to get the hits when we needed to get the hits and get the runs when we needed them.”

Walsh did help himself out at the dish, reaching base three times and adding two RBIs. Kyle Perron and Kyle Chisholm also knocked in a run each.

Goffstown took a 5-3 lead in the top of the fourth but quickly surrendered the cushion when Walsh allowed three of the first four batters to score in the bottom of the frame.

Michael Bailey finished the game, allowing just one more run the rest of the way.

“We just made mistakes in a pivotal inning,” said Goffstown manager Ken Perron. “We were hitting the ball well and hung in there against a tough pitcher but they capitalized on our mistakes.”

Plymouth and Keene play tonight at 5 p.m. to decide who plays Goffstown in Friday's loser's bracket final, also at 5 p.m.

Earlier in the tournament, Goffstown beat Keene 3-2 and Plymouth 15-4.

“We've got one more chance against either Keene or Plymouth, two teams we beat over the weekend,” said Perron. “That's not to say that they aren't good teams, but we're looking to see Nashua again on Saturday.”

The tournament final is on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. if the second game is necessary. All games are at Allard Park.

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Pat DeCola may be reached at pdecola@unionleader.com.