Twelve-year-old Mason Daigle’s main focus was to keep the hits coming.

The strategy was effective in the Dartmouth Youth Activities Association’s first Junior Home Run Derby on April 23. The event attracted about 24 competitors with the goal of hitting as many home runs as possible in one minute.

With four home runs, Daigle finished in the top spot in the 12-and-under competition.

“I just watched and hit the ball,” he said. Daigle competed with his best friend, Aidan Dias, 11, who didn’t see as much success.

“I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t hit anything,” Dias said.

In the 14-and-under competition, Ethan Moniz, 14, took first place with two home runs, one of which was estimated at more than 300 feet deep.

The event was a first for the DYAA, said Ray Medeiros. The Major League Baseball-sponsored event allows local organizations to host derbies in their own communities.

Competitors at Crapo Field — which has a 200-foot fence line — faced an automated pitching machine for one minute.

“It’s a very home-run friendly field. MLB tries to make it as home run friendly as possible,” Medeiros said.

Winners — including Daigle and Moniz — can advance to the regional and national competitions.