Cottondale advances to state

The Cottondale All-Stars have defeated South Walton 8-7 Tuesday night in the district tournament in Cottondale to clinch a spot in the Dixie Youth Majors state tournament July 18 in Melbrook.

Cottondale got three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win it, with a bases-loaded walk to Devon Knight bringing in the game-winning run.

The Cottondale All-Stars were set to face Graceville Wednesday night in the district title game.

Both Cottondale and Graceville are qualified for the state tournament, regardless of the outcome of Wednesday night’s game.

Cottondale trailed South Walton 5-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning before rallying to tie the game on a grand slam by Wesley Spooner.

South Walton answered with two runs in the top of the fifth to take a 7-5 lead, an advantage it took into the bottom of the sixth.

DJ Brannon and Aaron Athey each got on base to start the inning for Cottondale, and Spooner was intentionally-walked to load the bases.

A bloop single by Danny Shores made it a one-run game, then another RBI single by Tyler Stephens tied the game at 7-7. The ensuing walk to Knight brought
Spooner to the plate to end the game.

“It was a very exciting game,” Cottondale coach Gary Stephens said. “It was back and forth all night. They had us, but after the grand slam, it was just a new ballgame.”

Justin Lipford started for Cottondale and pitched the first four innings, with Tyler Stephens pitching the final two to get the win.

“My kids were very excited,” Gary Stephens said of his team. “For these guys, this is their first time ever going to state so they’re very excited.”

The coach said he and his team felt confident about their chances in Melbrook.

“I think they’ve got a good chance,” Stephens said. “We’ve got some young guys, but they’re eager. They love the game and if they get out there and play to their potential, they’ve got the chance to go all the way.”