The big inning cost Saxonburg again.

After giving up 14 runs in the eighth inning Wednesday against State College in a loss, Saxonburg gave up eight runs to Bellefonte in the bottom of the fifth inning and lost 9-6 to bow out of the Region 7 American Legion playoffs Thursday at State College.

Zach Toth had two singles and a double for Saxonburg, which ended the season 22-4.

But it won two games at the regional tournament and launched a rally in the top of the ninth Thursday to try for a third.

Saxonburg scored two runs in the top of the ninth with two outs and had the tying run at the plate, but failed to score.

"We had a real good rally going," said Saxonburg coach Jim Bacon said. "Unfortunately, we made two outs pretty quick to start the inning."

Saxonburg's goal was to get to the finals on Friday. Instead Bellefonte will be charged with the task of toppling host State College twice to move on.

"We were close," Bacon said. "We're pleased with the way we played. It was a good season for us. The boys did real well."

Saxonburg didn't even field a team last season. This year, they stormed through the Butler County American Legion regular season and tournament with only two losses.

It won its first game in State College Monday.

"It's always sad to see a season end," Bacon said. "But it's always sad and happy at the same time. We accomplished a lot, but now it's over."

Saxonburg 012 000 102 - 6 15 3Bellefonte 000 180 00x - 9 7 0WP: Colin Burke (9 IP) 3 strikeouts, 5 walks.

LP: Joe Arndt (5 IP) 6 strikeouts, 3 walks

Saxonburg (22-4): Dan Pickard 2-1B; Bill Elliott 2B; Zach Toth 2-1B, 2B; Aaron Shaw 3-1B.

Bellefonte (33-17): Sean Kerr 2B; Burke 2B; Nate Howell 2-1B