LINDEN–It took all six innings for either team to score more than a run, but Demopolis’s bats woke up just in time Saturday evening to take a 6-2 victory over Linden in 9-and-10-year old “AAA” Dixie Youth All-Star action.

The game had entered the top of the sixth tied at 1 before Demopolis rallied to put five runs on the board. Colton Dodd got things started by drawing a walk before scoring on Will Tucker’s double. William Tutt would reach base on a fielder’s choice, followed by Michael Brooker and T.J. Reese. Wesley Anderson then struck the big blow in the inning, a two-out triple to drive in Brooker and Reese and stake Demopolis to a five-run lead.

Linden wasn’t done yet, though, scoring a run and threatening in the bottom of the sixth. Brant Lewis reached base before Terrence Sanders drew a walk and Wyatt Hale singled in Lewis to draw Linden within four and put two on with nobody out.

But Demopolis pitcher Wesley Anderson struck out three of the next four batters to end the threat and preserve Demopolis’ place in the sub-District tournament winner’s bracket. Anderson pitched two innings and recorded all six outs on strikeouts, having set Linden down on three consecutive K’s in the fifth.

“We’ll probably see Linden again,” Demopolis coach Darren Anderson said afterwards. “They have a great group of athletes, so I’m really proud of our guys. Our pitching was good and the bats came around in the sixth. That’s what pulled us through.”

Anderson’s was one of several outstanding pitching performances in the ballgame. Linden’s Mason Rogers allowed only one baserunner in his two innings of work, setting down six of Demopolis’s first seven hitters, all on strikeouts. He was nearly matched by Demopolis starter Darrius Zander, who struck out six of the eight batters he faced over two innings.

Demopolis managed the game’s first run in the top of the third. Will Tucker singled and came around to score later in the inning. Tucker emerged as the game’s biggest offensive star, finishing 2-2 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.

Linden would tie the game in the bottom of the fourth, with Jacob Gunter drawing a two-out walk and scoring after two more walks.

Taking the mound for Demopolis were Zander, Tyler Charleston, and Anderson, with two innings each. Linden’s pitchers also took two-inning turns, with Rogers starting followed by Devin Stroud and Gunter.

Demopolis will play again Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in Linden, with against an opponent yet to be determined. Linden plays Monday night against Sumter County, a 9-8 loser to the Butler All-Stars

Members of the Demopolis “AAA” All-Star team are Tanner Cox, Jake Freeman, Wesley Anderson, Tyler Charleston, Darrius Zanders, Michael Brooker, Rob McCarter, T.J. Reese, Will Tucker, Colton Dodd, Josh Mangum, Bradley Simmons, and William Tutt. The All-Stars are coached by Darren Anderson, Kenny Freeman, and James Charleston.

Linden All-Stars are Seth Glass, Mason Rogers, Devin Stroud, Wyatt Hale, Sebastian Hale, Christian Cook, Tarish Pugh, Jacob Gunter, Andrew Norris, Terrence Sanders, Chris Rogers, Brant Lewis, and Morgan Studemeyer. Linden All-Stars are coached by Terry Vice, Rusty Glass, and Billy Rogers.