Members Cal Ripken Major League state champions.react after dousing coach Jott Blackwell with water. The Gaffney Braves didn't exactly knock the cover off the ball but they made every hit count in defeating Woodruff twice on Monday to capture the Cal Ripken Major League all-star state championship at the Cherokee County Youth Sports Complex.

Colby Crow blasted a 2-run homer for the only runs of the game as the Braves downed Woodruff, 2-0. The Braves forced the deciding contest with an 8-3 victory in the first game.

"The momentum from the first game carried over to the second game," Braves coach Jott Blackwell said.

The Braves will travel to Staunton Va., the site of the Southeast Regional, which begins play on July 22.

Monday's victories cap a dominating performance by the Braves, who outscored their opponents heading into Monday's games 39-6, as well as avenge a 5-4 extra-inning loss to Woodruff on Saturday.

Tyler Parker tossed a one-hitter in picking up the win in the second game. He never allowed a baserunner to reach third base.

Crow's game-winning blast came in the fourth inning. Jackson Propst had two of the Braves' five hits in the game. Matt Overton and Joseph Mabry also hit safely for the Braves.

The Braves played home run derby in the first game, belting four roundtrippers, including another homer from Crow.

Overton, Dylan Stepp and Tucker Byars also homered for the Braves, who put the game out of reach with four runs in the fourth inning.

The Braves received another solid pitching effort from Byars, who went the distance to pick up the win. All three runs off Byars were unearned.

Blackwell stressed that each member of the team contributed to the state championship.

"It was a total team effort all the way through the tournament," he said.

The Braves are seeking donations for their trip to the Southeast Regional. For more information, contact Carl Clary at 864-680-4633.