Special to The Messenger

Hueytown had to play some extra innings Thursday night, but they did not have to play an extra game.

Hueytown came into Thursday night's championship game of the Dixie Angels State Tournament against Hartselle as the undefeated team. Though Hartselle fought hard, Hueytown won the game with a five-run explosion in the eighth inning to win the game 6-1 and advance to the World Series.

Sam Englebert led the eighth-inning rally by hitting a single to lead off the inning. Frances Thrasher followed with a single, and Shelby Talbot walked to load the bases.

Leigh Streetman then hit a two-run double, and Kendal Coker followed with a double of her own to give Hueytown a 5-1 lead. Coker ended up scoring as well to give Hueytown a 6-1 advantage. Hartselle could not recover.

Hueytown took the lead in the third inning. Jenna Bryson walked to lead off the inning and scored on Streetman's single. Hueytown led 1-0, and they held that lead until the fifth inning.

In the fifth, Hartselle tied the game when Chelsea Bennich scored on Chelsea McCurdy's RBI double. Bennich singled to start the inning.

Hartselle failed to take the lead, though, because the next three batters struck out, leaving McCurdy stranded at second.

Hueytown will play in the World Series in the next few weeks.

Hartselle's season ended, as did every other team not

named Hueytown in the tourney.