SOUTHPORT - The Columbus County All-Stars defeated Montgomery County 7-5 Wednesday morning to remain unbeaten and advance to today’s championship round of the North Carolina Jr. Dixie Boys (age 13) Baseball Tournament at Smithville Park.

The Columbus East team met once-beaten Brunswick County this morning at 10 in the championship game. The game had not been completed at press time.

The state tournament champion will advance to the 2007 Jr. Dixie Boys World Series that will open on Aug. 4 at Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Manuel Figueroa had his second straight 4-for-4 day as he collected a double and triple and drove in three runs in Wednesday’s win over Montgomery County. Hunter Smith and Taylor Stevens each had three hits with Smith hitting a double.

Columbus East had a total of 13 hits

Justin White was the wining pitcher, going six innings and striking out 11 batters. Derrick Bracey picked up the save by pitching the final inning and striking out two of the three batters he faced.

Montgomery Couny had a total of eight hits as it was eliminated from the nine-team, double-elimination tournament.

In the other semi-final, the host Brunswick County team took a 19-1 victory over Bladen County to advance to the finals.

On Tuesday, Columbus County battled back from a 4-2 deficit to overtake previously unbeaten Bladen County 11-8

Manuel Figueroa went 4-for-4, with a home run a double, and drove in six runs. Derrick Bracey had two hits, inlcuding a double.

Forrest Wayne was the winning pitcher, going the full seven innings while allowing six hits and striking out four.

A.J. McKoy belted a three-run homer to pace Bladen County.

Columbus East held off a three-run final inning comeback surge by Bladen County to snag the win.

Columbus East had opened tournament play on Saturday with a 9-0 shutout of Duplin County and took a 14-1 win over Montgomery County in Sunday’s second round. It had a bye on Monday.

On Monday, the Columbus South Jr. Dixie Boys team was eliminated from state tournament play with an 11-1 loss to the host Brunswick County team.

Columbus County All-Star teams have won 10 of the last 12 North Carolna Jr. Dixie Boys championships.