By Drew Granthum | Staff Writer

The North Chilton Orioles 11-and-under youth baseball team did what no other team in its league has done: win the Dizzy Dean Baseball State Championship.

The Orioles—made up of teams from Jemison, Thorsby and West End—entered the state tournament in Cullman on July 6 as a No. 1 seed after defeating Chelsea 7-6 in the District 12 regional tournament.

They went through the state tournament undefeated, besting Walker County, 18-0; Huffman, 9-6; East Walker, 12-10; and Albertville, 13-10, on their way to a rematch in the finals with Chelsea.

With Tyler Williams’ pitching and the bats of Giquon Lane and Eric Evans, the Orioles defeated Chelsea 10-1 in five innings to capture the title.

“Tyler Williams pitched the game of a lifetime,” coach Royce Rogers said. “I have never seen him pitch with so much poise. He was in full control of the game from start to finish.”

Williams went five innings on the mound and allowed only three hits.

Lane went 3-4 at the plate with two home runs, including the game-ender.

Evans and Will Johns both went 3-3.

The Orioles next will travel to Jackson County, Ga., to participate in the World Series beginning July 15.

The team is pictured celebrating its victory: (kneeling) Keshaun Williams, Jadarius Cohen, Cain Niece, Grayson Bice, Eric Evans, Ryan Frasler, Tyler Williams, Patrick Rodgers, (back row) Giquon Lane, Logan Patterson, Keundae Childers, Will Johns, and coaches Rogers, Goffrey Lane and Dustin Headley.