The long ball was Demopolis High School’s worst enemy Tuesday as their hopes of a repeat state championship ended in an 8-4 loss to Tallasse.

Tallasee hit a total of three home runs in the game for five RBI’s, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Tallasee jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead after two innings before Demopolis struck for their first run.

The teams traded runs in the third and fourth to give Tallasse a 6-2 lead haeading for the final two innings.

Tallasee struck again for two in the fifth to build a big 8-2 advantage.

Demopolis bounced back for two more runs in the seventh to make the score 8-4, but Tallasee held off the rally to advance.

Hunter Hawley, who took the loss on the mound, also led Demopolis at the plate with a 2-3 performance. Hawley also had an RBI and a walk.

Brandon Burrell was 1-3 with an RBI.

Scott Cannon, Luke Massey, Tyler Moody, Reed Gardiner and Rob Quinney also added hits for the Tigers.

With the loss, Demopolis ended their season at 13-13.