Though the Southern Humboldt 76ers kept the game close, a four-run rally for the Eureka Dukes in the sixth inning proved to be the difference as the Dukes walked to an 8-5 victory in the District 1 Junior Legion Tournament in McKinleyville, on Thursday.

Eureka’s Lane Stapp threw six and two-thirds-innings for the win, striking out eight batters while scattering five hits.

“We were trying to have Lane throw off-speed to some of the stronger batters,” said Eureka head coach Jim Pastori. “I wanted him to get ahead early on in the count, and that’s what he was able to do. Also, our hitters came through with base-knocks when we needed them.”

In the first inning, the Dukes struck first as Andy Hines led off the inning with a single and later capitalized on an infield throwing error to cross home plate.

The 76ers responded quickly, putting up one run to tie the game as Nate Hamilton and Chance Ambrosini were on first and third and pulled off a double-steal to plate Hamilton.

Eureka added two runs in the third and one in the fourth, and the team held a 4-3 lead going into the sixth.

The sixth was the decisive inning as the Dukes tacked on four runs to effectively drive the proverbial nail in the coffin.

Hines led off and reached base after being hit by a pitch, and teammate Wilkinson followed by drawing a walk.

Cody Johnsen the came up with a critical hit to center which was mishandled by the centerfielder, allowing three runs to cross home plate, including Johnsen.

Eureka’s Jordan Luque then came up with a single down the third-base line, setting up James Pastori who drove in Luque with a blast to right field.

The 76ers rallied back in the seventh, getting two runs with the help of Justin Byrum who two-RBI single to right field.

“Their pitcher threw a good game,” said Southern Humboldt head coach Chris Guiver. “We gave him four unearned runs, though, and that made the difference. We want to have another shot at them.”

With the win, the Dukes improved to 12-17, while the 76ers dropped to 14-11.

The 76ers play the Knights at 1 p.m. today, and the winner of that game advances to the championship and faces the Dukes at 4 p.m.