The Cherokee Athletics Babe Ruth League state champs appeared on their way to a second straight win at the regional tournament. But South Florida had other plans, taking advantage of three errors to rally from a 4-1 deficit to beat the local all-stars, 10-4, on Sunday. The loss knocks Cherokee Athletics out of the double-elimination tournament.

Evan McCurry was tossing a 2-hitter through five innings until South Florida exploded for six runs in the sixth.

For Cherokee Athletics, Austin Goode was the bright spot offensively with two hits, while Will Byars was the defensive standout with several sparkling plays at third base.

After an 11-0, tournament-opening loss to Virginia on Friday, Marcus Elmore homered, pitcher Josh Tate allowed three hits and Nick Hames was outstanding in center field in Cherokee Athletics’ 11-4 win over North Carolina Saturday.

Cherokee Athletics manager Terry Belue said the team appreciated the strong support it received.