Tri-Town manager Lyle Huggler knew that his group of 12-year-old kids last year was a special bunch. That group won the District 12 and Section 3 titles in the major division and made it to the state tournament.

That run ended with back-to-back losses in states following a first-round win, however. Huggler knew if that group stuck together in the intermediate division this year, they had a chance to accomplish something special.

And, just as he thought, it played out exactly that way.

Tri-Town’s intermediate Little League all-star baseball team defeated Hollidaysburg on Wednesday evening, 8-7, in nine innings to advance to the state championship game on Friday morning and Tri-Town is one win away from heading to regionals.

“Honestly I haven’t thought about it a whole lot. It was a crazy game,” Huggler said following Wednesday’s thrilling win to secure a state final trip. “But I knew what I had. Last year I think we were close and just touched the surface and that was my whole reason about getting these guys back together this year. I knew the potential was there, I knew they could do it and hoping they continue to play hard on Friday and get it done.”

Tri-Town has been firing on all cylinders and has let last year’s success carry into this summer. Offensively, Tri-Town is able to hit up and down the lineup. Two of the three games so far at states saw at least two players each game with multiple hits.

Whenever Tri-Town seemingly needs a spark at the plate, someone comes up and delivers.

“It’s wonderful. Like I said, I got a couple new kids that I didn’t have last year,” Huggler said. “I’ve been preaching about sticking with it and we have to be committed to the team effort. (Jax) Duke’s first home run ever batting second to last, one of best teammates on our team. It’s just unbelievable. This is a great group of kids and support each other. I’ll be sad when it’s over.”

Huggler, the players and Tri-Town fans are all hoping though this run will last a bit longer.

Against Lower Merion to open states, Tri-Town was led by Jameson Smith’s 2 for 3 effort with three runs. Kaden Caster and Cash Jumper both went 3 for 3 against Eastburg while teammates Roman Meckbach (2 for 3, four RBis), Kellynn Wool (2 for 3) and Beaux Richmond (2 for 3) all had two hits apiece. In that 13-3 win over Eastburg, Tri-Town’s offense collected 18 hits.

And, against Hollidaysburg, it was more of the same.

Tri-Town had a 12-hit effort as Kaden Caster went 3 for 3 with a double, Lyle Huggler went 3 for 3, Meckbach went 2 for 3 and Kameron Caster was 2 for 2.

Three games, three wins and 38 hits. Not a bad span for Tri-Town’s all-star team.

Tri-Town has done well managing its pitchers. Going into Friday’s final, Huggler noted he has all but one player available to throw. Not bad when you have to play two games in two days to open a tournament with tough teams.

“I’m very fortunate. I got some guys that like I said with a tight tournament and tight turnaround, we tried to keep kids available on a one-day’s rest,” Huggler said. “A lot of these kids they get 35 and can pitch next day. We’re pitching maybe three four kids a game and they’re all doing a great job getting there.

“It’s probably the tightest tournament I’ve ever been in trying to figure out pitching,” Huggler added.

Tri-Town has yet to suffer a loss. The East Lycoming group beat Montoursville and Keystone twice in the District 12 tournament to head to states due to no Section 3 tournament being played.

Every summer, kids and coaches talk about how fun it’s been playing through districts and further, and Huggler’s no different.

“It’s been a blessing. We kind of ran through our district and kids have been playing well. We really enjoyed it,” Huggler said. “The kids get along so well, it’s a pleasure coaching them.”

And it’s been a pleasure for fans watching Tri-Town excel on the field.