ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The only Iowan competing at Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit & Run national competition walked away with first place.

Luke Farley, 12, of Denver, received the top overall score in his age group, said Abby Lane with Pitch, Hit & Run Headquarters.

During the contest Monday at Busch Stadium - the site of tonight's Major League Baseball All-Star Game - Farley competed against two other boys in the 11- and 12-year-old division.

In a phone interview, Luke's father, Larry, said having watched the competition closely, he was pretty sure his son would come away with a win.

"I thought he did really good," he said.

The official announcement, though, didn't come until later Monday evening, Larry said.

The competition has the potential to produce nerves in the young athletes. Demonstrating the fundamentals at a major league ballpark is different than practicing in the back yard or on a diamond in Denver, the Farleys contend.

Luke, however, competed last month on the St. Louis Cardinals' turf during a team championship.

"Probably the most people we've ever had watching as far as spectators go," Larry said.

Luke was too busy to talk Monday night because the annual home run derby was in full swing. Pitch, Hit & Run contestants are invited to shag balls as professional baseball's biggest sluggers attempt to reach the fence.

According to Lane, Luke posted the fastest finish in his age group while racing from second base to home plate. He earned second in pitching accuracy and drove the second longest hit.

When the three scores were added, Luke came out on top.

Farley advanced to the finals after doing well at local and sectional contests. After winning one of 30 team championships, his score had to be in the top three nationally for his age to earn a place at the all-star game.

Luke will walk away with more than a win and the time of his life, Larry said. His son so far has collected a big league autograph: retired Cardinals shortstop and Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith.

Tonight, Luke will attend the game with his family.