WARNER ROBINS -- Clayton Coringrato just couldn’t seem to get a pitch he liked.

His first two trips to the plate Saturday in Florida’s game against Virginia in the Little League Southeastern Regional tournament had produced two walks. So with his team clinging to a two-run lead in the fourth inning he returned to the batter’s box with the bases loaded and found what he had so patiently been waiting for.

Coringrato launched a grand slam halfway up the hill beyond the center-field fence to break open a defensive struggle and Florida never looked back, pulling away for a 14-1 victory.

“The pitch was supposed to be a curve ball off the plate,” Virginia coach Jeff Grammes said. “But it just hung right there over the plate. That was huge. (Florida) gained a ton of confidence on that play, and we lost some. Before that, it’s a 3-1 game and we’re right in it. At 7-1, not so much.”

Starting pitchers Ethan Thomas (Florida) and Brian Lawson (Virginia) were in control early. Thomas knew he was only going to throw 35 pitches to preserve his status for Monday’s game. But he exited after the second inning with a no-hitter intact. Thomas, who also scored four runs, struck out four batters and walked none.

Lawson allowed just four hits and a walk. His only mistake came in the third inning when Florida’s Aaron Guiang homered to break the scoreless tie.

“It’s really challenging in this kind of format to utilize your pitchers wisely,” Florida manager Andy Trujeque said. “It is hard to bring in guys cold when you’re trying to shut the other team down, especially when one of your guys is in a groove.”

Florida’s Conor Grady came on in the third inning and seamlessly relieved Thomas. He pitched three innings, allowing two hits and two walks. He also recorded five strikeouts and homered in the sixth inning.

“My curveball was working,” Grady said. “And with that kind of lead I didn’t have to worry about anything ... just throw.”

Coringrato finished 2-for-2 and reached base every time. He also singled and reached on a fielder’s choice, scored four runs and finished with five RBI. Khalil Al’ Mutasim came off the bench and was 2-for-2, with a double and four RBI.

“Our players are not overachievers, but thus far they’ve played to their abilities,” Trujeque said.

Conversely, Virginia managed just a run on three hits. The team has only scored a combined three runs in two games. Brendan Grammes’ third-inning single scored Jack Kidd, who doubled earlier in the frame.

Florida remains undefeated in the tournament, which resumes Monday. Virginia is 1-1.