Pittsburg ? Dreams of a state title for the Lawrence Raiders AAA Legion team ended with a 14-11 loss to Pittsburg on Saturday in the double-elimination tournament.

Lawrence fell behind, 10-2, early, but rallied for two runs in the sixth inning and six runs in the seventh inning. Pittsburg erupted for four runs in the final frame and sealed the win.

“It was pretty difficult, especially considering the history this program has had,” Raiders assistant coach Drew Hulse said.

Lawrence won state titles from 2003-2006 and finished runner-up the last two seasons.

Ben Wyatt went 4-for-5 with two runs, while Coulter Vestal went 4-for-6 with two runs and two RBIs.

“Overall, I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish, especially since we were short,” Hulse said. Lawrence coach Wilson Kilmer, and players Matthew Abel and Tanner Kilmer had weddings to attend and weren’t on hand at state. “We had players play positions they weren’t accustomed to. We battled, didn’t give up, came back and kept chewing away at that lead. To Pittsburg’s credit, they capitalized on our mistakes.”

Lawrence and Pittsburg each committed three errors.

The Raiders closed the year with an 18-25 record.

Lawrence began the tournament by defeating Hays and Tonganoxie, but fell to Manhattan and Pittsburg, who will play for the state title at 10 a.m. today.

Today’s game for the state championship looks to be an even battle. Pittsburg defeated Manhattan, 12-5, on Saturday to force a decisive title game today. Manhattan beat Pittsburg, 5-1, earlier in the tourney on Thursday.