It ended the same way it began - only it was a little different. Alabama topped South Carolina by two runs, for the second time in the 2003 Southeast Regional Babe Ruth Tournament, to earn a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series scheduled to be played in Williston, N.D.

The Alabama team from Valley once again relied on pitching and defense to get a victory against South Carolina's Cherokee Athletics team by a final score of 5-3.

Valley went on top 1-0 in the top of the first inning when Stephen Bishop reached base on a two-out error and came around to score. Kevin Miller provided an RBI-single in the inning.

Valley added two more runs in the top of the fifth when Logan Mezick and Chase Earl scored. Cody Coker had two RBIs in the inning.

South Carolina scored one run in the bottom of the sixth when Brett Irvin ripped a solo home run over the left field fence about 350 feet away.

Valley added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh when Reiko Stephens and Mezick scored. Coker had two RBIs in the seventh inning.

South Carolina rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but Valley held on for the win. Bryce Smiley and Daniel Gardener scored in the seventh for South Carolina.

T.J. Yates was the winning pitcher.

Valley shortstop Chase Earl was the defensive MVP of the game with several key plays that highlighted his strong throwing arm.

Cody Coker was the offensive MVP with four RBIs in the win.

Valley Manager Archie Coker said defense and pitching were the keys to victory for his squad and have been since the district tournament.

He said going up 3-0 in the fifth inning made him feel better about his squad's chances.

Alabama 4, Virginia 2

Alabama advanced to the championship game with a 4-2 win against Virginia.

Justin Johnson, Chase Earl and Logan Mezick scored runs in the game. Mezick scored twice.

Blair Delean and Tony Collins scored for Virginia.

South Carolina 2, Georgia 1

South Carolina advanced to the championship game with a 2-1 win against the undefeated Georgia squad.

South Carolina scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 2-1 lead and held on for a 2-1 win in a semi-final game against Georgia.

Georgia went on top 1-0 in the top of the first inning when Merit Hicks reached base and came around to score.

Georgia remained in the lead until the bottom of the fifth when

Bryce Smiley and Daniel Gardener scored. Justin Sarratt was the winning pitcher for South Carolina.

Georgia 2, Virginia 1

Georgia won the consolation game outscoring Virginia 2-1.

Kyle Maley and David Floyd scored for Georgia.

Virginia's lone run came from Robert Lamas.