DuBose advanced to the championship game of the second annual Summerville preseason middle school baseball tournament, but fell to a newcomer.
Timberland Middle School prevailed in a field of 10 teams, claiming the 2010 tournament trophy with a 10-4 victory over DuBose Saturday in the championship at Gahagan Park.
“We were trailing late in both of our last two games but our kids showed a lot of character and came back,” Timberland coach Art Craig said. “We averaged around 13 runs a game and only gave up eight the entire tournament. This was their first time playing together so it was nice to see them do well.”
Timberland, Varnville and Alston were the pool winners for the tournament, which benefits the Alston and DuBose athletic departments. Timberland beat Varnville in the semi-finals and DuBose upset Alston to advance.
DuBose took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Dylan Vaughn drove in Lewis Vaughn with a single and came home himself off a Cody Lewis base hit.
The team extended its lead by a run in the second, but Timberland got on the board when a Tripp Wilkie double drove in Brad Browder and Bryan Jackson in the third.
DuBose added a run on a Timberland error in the top of the fourth, but Timberland tied the game in the bottom of the frame. The game-winning run came in the bottom of the fifth, when Wyatt Craig drove in Lucas Carr with a single.
DuBose coach Jade Hill said even though his team had to settle for runner-up honors, DuBose now has something to build on.
“We had an excellent tournament and it was a way to see what we have before the season starts,” he said. “With the different teams involved, it gives you something to compare yourself to. Our pitching was a key factor and we had some timely hits. I’m proud of these guys. They represented their school well.”
Lewis Vaughn was 2-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored. Dalton Noffsinger and Kyle Smith were both 2-for-4 at bat. Dylan Vaughn was 1-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a run scored.
For Timberland, Wilkie was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. Carr was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Jackson scored two runs and drove in one.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com.