A fast start wasn’t enough and the South Whidbey Little League 8-10 baseball team fell 7-5 to Walla Walla in the opening game of the state tournament Saturday, July 7, in Lynnwood.

South Whidbey will try to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament when it plays at 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, in Mukilteo.

Walla Walla scored two runs in the top of the first inning, then South Whidbey exploded for four runs on five consecutive hits in its half.

South Whidbey would score only one more run in the game as Walla Walla chipped away to regain the lead.

Bryson Taylor led South Whidbey with a two-run double, and Matthew Tarantino rapped two hits, drove in a run and “caught a great game,” according to coach Josh Coleman.

Kasen Parsell and Jaden Adragna chipped in with RBI, while Kowen White stole two bases and scored a run.

Parsell, Adranga and Jacob Hughes “all pitched well,” Coleman said.

“Defensively we made few errors, but also some great plays,” Coleman added.

The defensive highlight was registered by second baseman Alexander Zarifis, who made a diving stop, jumped to his feet and threw out the runner at first base.

“Tucker Allen and Trey Heikkila both made great catches at the corner outfield positions,” Coleman said. “Josh Warren and Cohan Criswell also played well defensively and contributed at the plate.”