Richie Tate rounds first after hitting a three run homer in the top of the fourth inning against Tuckerman Tuesday night. Unfortunately, it was the last run the Indians would score in the 3A North Regional Championship loss. (Tribune photo/Dan Brawner)

TUCKERMAN-Marked Tree's Indians were riding high as they entered the 3A North Regional Championship game with Tuckerman Tuesday afternoon. And that high continued early into the game as the Tribe took an 8-2 lead going into the bottom of the fourth inning.

In the top of the inning it seemed as if Marked Tree could do no wrong as Richie Tate blasted a three run home run over the left field fence to give the Indians the lead. Little did the Indians know at the time that this would be the last run they would score.

Over the next 2 ½ innings, the tables completely turned as the Indians suddenly couldn't stop the flood of Bulldog runs. First they scored two in the bottom of the fourth. They followed that with five in the fifth to take a 9-8 lead. Then they settled the matter with a nine run barrage for the 18-8 win as the mercy rule was invoked ending the bleeding there.

Regardless of the loss, the Indians will now travel to Pine Bluff as the 3A North's second seed to play in their fourth consecutive state tournament.

See next Wednesday's Tribune for full coverage of Marked Tree's quest for a state title.