Ultimately, it was the latter that ended up taking place.

Keystone fought hard, taking a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning as its defense re-established itself early. But through its final two defensive frames, Hollidaysburg found a way to rally, scoring seven unanswered runs on its way to an 8-2 win.

The win propelled Hollidaysburg to the state tournament’s consolation semifinals, where it’ll face to the winner of Pennridge and Morrisville. For Keystone, it finished its run through the tourney with a 1-2 record, concluding a strong summer all-star span at 7-3.

“It’s just one of those things,” said Keystone manager Matt McDermott on the loss. “The second and third time through the lineup, we can’t give up outs on routine plays to extend the pitching and the inning. That was the biggest thing today.”

MATT PATTON/For the Express The Keystone major baseball team gathers for a huddle during the team’s Little League Section 3 title win. Keystone fell to Hollidaysburg, 8-2, on Wednesday, concluding its deep summer runner at states.

“They were disciplined at the plate; they could hit the ball,” he added on Hollidaysburg.

It’s a tough way for a team with lofty goals to endure elimination, seeing two defeats in two days after kicking off the state tournament with an impressive victory. Nonetheless, this group has accomplished a lot, not just this summer but through the last three.

Keystone heads into the offseason three-time District 12 and Section 3 champs, harboring a combined all-star record of 23-7. And through three state tournament appearances, it earned a win in each, with five overall to its name.

“It’s pretty remarkable,” said McDermott on the team’s success this summer. “They started out top eight (in the state), finished top six.”

Against Hollidaysburg in the consolation quarters, Keystone managed to hold a lead – albeit slim – from the first inning to the bottom of the fourth. An RBI double from shortstop Gio Cej in the top of the first made it 1-0 to start, and strong defense protected it from there.

MATT PATTON/For the Express Keystone’s Jaxon Orndorf makes a throw during the team’s Section 3 title win. Keystone fell to Hollidaysburg, 8-2, to cap its states run Wednesday.

Starting pitcher Dylan McDermott pitched well through the first three innings, shaking off a leadoff walk and finishing with five strikeouts. Four of those strikeouts came in a row, as the team picked up six straight outs and retired the side in the second.

Though his play shifted in the fourth, as Hollidaysburg started its comeback with a leadoff homer, it was a performance that gave Keystone a great shot of winning early. With its three standout pitchers from sectionals – Adam Meyer, Gio Cej and Carter Leone – unavailable, it was going to be tough sledding no matter what.

“Dylan pitched a heck of a game,” said McDermott on McDermott’s performance.

Offensively, Cej led the way, going 2-for-2 while batting in Keystone’s first run and obtaining its second himself in the fourth. The order was largely stifled, finishing with just five hits and zero through the final two innings, but there were bright spots.

With its run officially over, the players will prepare for their next attempt at a run to regionals in their own ways, unless there’s a change win it comes to middle school ball at Central Mountain.

MATT PATTON/For the Express Keystone’s Adam Meyer (9) makes a throw during the team’s Little League Section 3 title win.

Come next summer, they’ll either be in intermediate 50/70 or junior division, looking to build on what’s been a successful three-year stint of summer ball.

“I think it was a heck of a run for these kids,” said McDermott. “I’d like the thank the community for all their support.”

“Hopefully, we see more great things out of this group.”

PA LITTLE LEAGUE STATE TOURNAMENT

Hollidaysburg 8, Keystone 2

Keystone 100 100 – 2 5 1

HASLLB 001 34X – 8 7 2

Dylan McDermott, Jordan Germello (4), Brooks Warner (5) and Germello and Jaxon Orndorf. Max P. and Micah L. W – Max P. L – McDermott.

Top Keystone hitters: Gio Cej 2-2, 2B, RBI, run; Brooks Warner 1-2, run; Karter Markle 1-2. Top Hollidaysburg hitters: Holden S. 2-3, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs; Brayden S. 1-2, HR, 2 RBIs; run; Christian M. 1-3, HR, 2 RBIs, run.