It took more than 24 hours, but the 13-year-old Andalusia Babe Ruth All-Stars defeated the Atmore All-Stars 8-6 on Friday in the first game of the Area Tournament.

The game began Thursday evening before being postponed due to rain and lightning. The contest was resumed Friday evening and Andalusia outlasted Atmore for the win.

Andalusia's offense started things with a bang on Thursday when four players scored in the top of the first inning.

Matt Mellown started the rally when he reached on a one-out error. Zach Jones followed him with a single. Jordan Maynor came through with a two-RBI single to give Andalusia and early 2-0 lead. Josh Smithart followed Maynor with a single and they both scored on a two-RBI single by Kevin Peek.

Atmore rallied for three runs in the bottom of the first inning before being retired on Friday.

The score remained 4-3 in Andalusia's favor until the top of the fourth when Andalusia added to the lead.

Charles Gunter scored on an RBI single by Michael Berry. Berry scored along with Mellown later in the inning on a two-RBI double by Jones.

Atmore answered with one run in the bottom of the fourth inning, but Andalusia never trailed.

Andalusia added a run in the top of the fifth to increase the lead to 8-4 when Jonathan Jernigan drew a walk, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball and scored on a fielder's choice by Gunter.

Atmore attempted a late rally but came up short.

Atmore did manage to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh by taking advantage of three walks, but were unable to overcome Andalusia's lead.

Andalusia held on for an 8-6 win.

Mellown was the winning pitcher allowing six runs on seven hits and six walks during seven innings of work. He struck out seven.

Andalusia's All-Stars return to the diamond in Atmore at 3 p.m. today when they play the Brewton All-Stars.

Atmore will face the loser of the Andalusia-Brewton game.