The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association GRPA District 3 champion Bainbridge Leisure Services Department 8-year-old and under All-Stars split four games at the state GRPA tournament in Chattsworth to finish fourth in a strong nine-team field.

After bowing 13-1 to Murray County in the their state tournament opener July 8, the All-Stars, coached by Jeff Summerlin, bounced back to take two consecutive wins July 10, first defeating Carrollton 15-7 then downing Rome 10-8.

The Bainbridge run against Murray County was scored by Tamela Butler, who tripled and came in on a double by second baseman Makayla Hamilton.

Their big-scoring inning in their Saturday win over Carrollton was the third when they rallied for four runs.

Second baseman Shelbie Summerlin opened the third with a single and raced around to score when catcher Desirae Beachem followed with a double.

The Bainbridge All-Stars had a five-run, third-inning rally in their win over Rome. The inning began with a triple by first baseman McKynleigh Harrell and an RBI single by second baseman Mallie Kate Andrews.

With one away, catcher Desirae Bearden doubled and came in on a single by Tamela Butler.

Shortstop Addison Enfinger then tripled in Butler and came in when right center fielder Anna Beth Bibby singled with two away.

In their final game with Murray County, the All-Stars mounted a late rally with six runs in the sixth inning. Big blow in the inning was a two-run double by left fielder Anna Beth Bibby.

Leisure Services program director Diane Atkinson said she couldn’t be prouder of the team.

“Our 8-and-under girls just played great in the state tournament,” she said. “They also showed a lot of sportsmanship and really played team ball.”