The Pistons won the 8-U Douglas Co. Baseball Assn.’s postseason tournament, beating the Royals 5-2, July 15 at 4-H fields.

The victory was an unexpected one, as the team from Lecompton went 7-7 through the regular season, finishing fourth out of seven teams.

But the Pistons came up big when it counted, knocking off the regualr season champs and going undefeated in tournament play.

“They peaked at the right time, it was really a team effort,” said Pistons’ parent Traci Eddy.

This was the Pistons first year playing in Lawrence. Last year, they played in Lecompton, where most of their players live.

“We came to Lawrence and it was a whole different ball game for us,” said Kylee Neal, whose son Brendon plays for the Pistons.

Pistons fans were thrilled with the team’s unexpected victory.

“We’re just proud of the kids,” Neal said. “We’re from a small league and to go undefeated in the tournament was great.”

The Pistons run in the tournament began with a victory over the Saints.

They then played an extra-inning game against the regular-season champs, the Cougars, winning 4-3 in eight innings.

After beating the Cougars, the Pistons played the Royals twice, beating them 8-2 and then 5-2 to take the title.

Charlie Shuck was the starting pitcher in the final game, and Neal went 3-for-3.

The Pistons will be back next year in DCABA’s 9-U league, and the coaches hope the team will be able to repeat this year’s successful campaign.

“It was a great season,” Pistons coach David Eddy said. “The kids learned how to play true baseball.”