A two-run single by Josh Evans in the bottom of the sixth inning Friday lifted Columbus Northern to an 8-7 win over rival Warner Robins in the championship game of the 2013 Georgia Little League 11/12 State Championship Tournament in Richmond Hill.
The game was close throughout, not surprising given the two program’s longstanding rivalry. Both Columbus Northern and Warner Robins have won the Little League World Series in the past and both are considered among the best Little League programs in the U.S.
Warner Robins struck first in Friday’s matchup, scoring three runs in the top of the first, then Columbus responded with two runs in the bottom of the first inning and took a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the third inning.
Warner Robins fought back with a run in the fourth and another in the fifth to tie the score after a fourth-inning home run by Noah Lee gave Columbus a momentary 6-5 lead.
Jacob Pierce and Cameron Jones hit back-to-back solo home runs in the top of the final inning to put Warner Robins’ up 7-6, but Evans’ single drove in Tyler Hanson and Parker Brabson, both of whom drew walks to lead off the inning.
Trent Grantham, Austin Hicks and Evans pitched for Columbus Northern. Corbett Luna and Blake King pitched for Warner Robins.
Columbus Northern ow goes on to play in the Southeast Regional in Warner Robins.