The Turlock American All-Stars came up a run short against the Salida All-Stars in Tuesday’s Section 6 Championship game, losing 12-11 in the seventh inning.

“It was a pitching duel,” American head coach Lance Justus said. “It was an all around good game.”

Turlock opened Tuesday’s matchup with two first inning runs but Salida responded immediately, scoring three runs and claiming the lead. Both teams failed to produce in the second inning but in the bottom of the third Salida added three more runs to the scoreboard for a 6-2 lead.

Turlock’s fourth inning brought them four runs and seemingly tied the game, but Salida matched their offensive production with four runs of their own maintaining the lead and the game’s momentum. Blaine Weber shut Salida down in the fifth and sixth innings from the hill and gave Turlock a chance to close the gap in the sixth inning where two runs made it a 10-8 game with an inning to go.

Drake Dutra, Cody Justus, and Bret Hayner combined for three runs in the top of the seventh inning, giving Turlock their first lead of the night. Unfortunately, the lead was short lived. Salida quickly tied the game in the bottom of the seventh inning before finally scoring the go ahead run thanks in part to an outfield error.

“It’s devastating for the kids,” Justus said of the loss. “But with the kids winning District 78 and playing in the championship for Sections, it was a big bonus. It’s something I’m sure they’ll never forget.”