Ararat players mob Tyler Thibeault, middle, after he crushed his second home run of the Cal Ripken World Series during Thursday’s preliminary round game against Green County, Kentucky in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Photo provided by Angela Wilkinson

The historic run is over for Ararat.

Palm Beach Gardens scored six runs in the fifth to take control and shut the door in the sixth to win 11-6 over Ararat in a quarterfinal game at the 12U Major/60 Cal Ripken World Series on Thursday at Gardens Park in Palm Beach Gardens Florida.

Palm Beach struck early for three runs in the first then plated six runs in the fifth to take the lead.

Ararat, who were down by four runs on two separate occasions, didn’t go quietly, even taking the lead in the top of the fifth.

Triples were abundant in the fifth inning. First, Will Davis cranked a two-run triple to right-field that made it 5-4. Four batters later and again with two runners on, David Edwards laced a triple down the right-field line to give Ararat a 6-5 at the time.

Palm Beach took the lead right back when Logan Buchanan hit a deep fly ball to left field with a runner on second. A miscue in the outfield and an errant throw to third base ended up scoring Schneider to give Palm Beach a 7-6 lead. It would add four more runs.

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Though Ararat bows out of the tournament with a 3-3 record, it still leaves behind season full of records. Ararat was the first team from Maine to ever reach the Cal Ripken World Series (along with Noble this year) and reached the quarterfinal round.

Palm Beach Gardens advances to the semifinals where it faces Rockville, Maryland on Friday morning.

Trevor Adams of Ararat loads up to swing during Thursday’s preliminary round game against Green County, Kentucky in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Photo provided by Angela Wilkinson

Ararat stayed alive earlier in the day with a 4-3 victory over No. 8 seed Green County, Kentucky.

“We’re feeling over the moon, it wasn’t our best game but we found a way,” Ararat head coach Jon Hiltz said over the phone after the win over Green County. “I just kept telling the guys to focus on one game at a time. Now we’re focused on what’s next up.”

Against Green County, Ararat once again struck early, scoring four runs in the first inning to grab a quick lead, putting pressure on Green County.

“I think it took a lot of pressure off the guys,” Hiltz said. “It was nice to see the bats come alive early on.”

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With one runner on and one out, Tyler Thibeault continued his hot streak and smashed a home run that cleared the right-field fence with ease. Ararat didn’t stop there. Will Davis singled in the at-bat following Thibeault’s blast and Jacob Morrell tripled him in to make it 3-0 before Green County stepped to the plate.

With the stakes heightened, Hiltz turned to one of his veteran leaders on the mound in Davis. He did not disappoint. Davis tossed five innings before he was relieved due to pitch count purposes. He allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits while striking out five and walking none.

“I felt great out there, that was a big team win for us,” said Davis over the phone. “I knew I had to pitch a great game, I know what my abilities are and I think I showed it.”

Hiltz had high praise for his pitcher.

“I’m so proud of that kid,” Hiltz said. “That was his last ever Cal Ripken start (on the mound), and he stepped up huge for us today (Thursday).”

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