The boys of summer will take the field at the Susiegray McConnell Sports Complex on Market Street Extension this weekend for the Cal Ripken Little League District 6 tournament.

Eight teams of 12-and-under players from Beaufort, Lenoir, Craven, Carteret and Pamlico counties will be vying for the tournament championship. The winner advances to the state tournament to be held in Washington July 15.

As host site of the tournament, the Washington team has already secured a spot in the state tourney.

“Most of the time, the kids are traveling so it’s good for them to play at home,” said Jimmy Davis, league president. “Other teams like coming here as well.”

The gates open at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with two games starting at 5 p.m. and two games starting at 7 p.m.

Teams representing Washington, Kinston, New Bern, Swansboro, West Carteret, Pamlico and Down East will be competing for a spot in Tuesday’s championship game.

“There’s a lot of good baseball,” Davis said. “This is the eighth tournament we have brought to Washington. We have not had one in four or five years. People should come out and enjoy the tournament. The money goes right back into the program for the kids.”

Tickets for the tournament are $5 for anyone 16 and older and $2 for anyone age 6 to 16. Under age 6 is free.