The North Chilton Orioles have been eliminated from the 2011 Dizzy Dean World Series.

The Alabama state champions lost to Wills Park, Ga. 8-6, ending a strong run through the playoffs. The Orioles finished fifth out of 28 teams in the tournament, and outscored opponents 115-49.

Coach Royce Rogers said the loss was a difficult one, but he felt that exhaustion finally got to the Orioles.

“It was hard,” he said. “I felt we were better than that team, but it was our fifth game in two days. I think we just ran out of steam.”

The game was the second of the day for the Orioles, as they beat Limestone County, 24-15 to face Wills Park.

Even after the loss, Rogers was quick to praise his team.

“They are a great little ball team,” he said. “They can really hit the ball. To be state champions, and to finish fifth out of 28 teams at the tournament, we can be proud of that.”