CHOCOWINITY — Washington’s 12U all stars took a 6-3 lead into the top of the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game against Pitt County in the double-elimination tournament. Washington needed just three outs to preserve the win, but couldn’t use pitcher Erin Everett, who had kept the opposition’s offense at bay all game.

Washington used two pitchers in the inning as Pitt County rallied to win, 7-6. Washington, with its back up against the wall, had to play again immediately after.

Kaci Johnson led off the frame with a two-strike triple down the right-field line before coming in on Emma Adams’ base hit. Adams made it a one-run game thanks to a sacrifice fly by Sarah Ange.

Pitt County, now within reach, faced a new Washington pitcher. Sarah Ebeling’s RBI single scored Samantha Taylor to tie the game at six apiece, then nine-spot batter Olivia Hadnott pushed across the winning run.

Everett drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the sixth, but Washington couldn’t muster anything more in the loss.

Everett was tagged for the game’s first run in the top of the first. Pitt County got on the board quickly when Olivia Knight led off with a bunt single before coming home on a base knock from Adams.

Washington cashed in on free bases to plate two in the bottom of the stanza. Olivia Paszt scored thanks to a bases-loaded walk. Laci Campbell made it 2-1 by scampering in on a passed ball.

Everett and the defense behind her settled in nicely as Pitt County went three up, three down in the second and third innings. Meanwhile, Everett’s two-RBI double plated Paszt and Ava Shae Mizell to push Washington’s lead to 4-1.

However, Washington left four runners in scoring position between the first two innings — a mistake that would come back to haunt it.

Pitt County, trailing 5-1 in the fifth, cut into its deficit when Abby Langmann and Ange led off with back-to-back singles. Both came in to score to make it a 5-3 game. Mia Trueblood responded with a run for Washington, but it again left a runner in scoring position.

Washington had to win its game afterwards then twice Wednesday morning to earn the right to contend for the title.