GRAVETTE — The Gravette 7-year-old all-star team took first place in the Cal Ripken Machine Pitch District 4 Tournament held recently in Springdale.

Gravette started out with pool play against Carroll County on Thursday night with a come-from-behind win of 10-7. With the first game jitters out of the way, Gravette went on to win its second pool play game against Van Buren 15-0, gaining the one seed going into bracket play. Witha bye to the semi-finals, Gravette had Saturday off, awaiting their opponent, the winner of the four v. five seed game. On Sunday at noon, Gravette advanced its way to the finals with a 10-9 win over Siloam Springs, with great hitting from the back half of the lineup to edge the lead as time expired.

Later that afternoon, Gravette squared off with Madison County for the championship. Gravette led most of the game, with Madison County making a comeback and taking thelead in the top of the last inning.

Down by two, Gravette needed the back half of its lineup to pull through once again. After five batters at the plate, a ground ball to the second baseman scored the winning run from third, giving Gravette the championship game 15-14.

Gravette hopes to keep the streak alive as it will be the hometown favorites when Gravette hosts the State Tournament for both the 7- and 8-year-old division, July 6-8.

Sports, Pages 9 on 07/04/2012