Northern defeats Toccoa 11-4 to win state championship

Columbus Northern defeated Toccoa 11-4 to win the Georgia Little League state championship on Saturday at Double Churches Park.

Northern pitcher Jacob Pate allowed four hits while striking out 12 in 5 2-3 innings, and reliever Zac Cravens struck out the only batter he faced in the sixth inning to end the game.

Northern players combined for 10 hits, and Troy Gilliland hit his second three-run home run in two days.

Northern last won the state championship in 2006, the year it went on to also win the Little League World Series.

The regional tournament runs Aug. 6-13 in Warner Robins, Ga., and the Little League World Series is Aug. 20-29 in Williamsport, Pa.

For more coverage, check back here and pick up Sunday's edition of the Ledger-Enquirer.