The Humboldt Eagles dropped their second game at the American Legion state tournament on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-2 to Merced in 100-degree weather at Yountville.

For the second straight day the Eagles started strong, with Cody Emmons posting a second straight lead-off hit and scoring minutes later on a Caleb Ruiz hit.

Both players finished the game with a pair of hits.

The Eagles, however, were unable to keep a dangerous Merced team at bay, giving up two runs in each of the second and fifth innings to trail 4-1.

The Humboldt players were also unable to keep the early offensive momentum going, managing just three more hits the remainder of the game.

Ruiz drove in a second run in the top of the sixth to make for an interesting end to the game as the Eagles pulled within two, but it was close as they would get.

Keenan Morris also had a hit for Humboldt.

On the mound, Cameron Saso pitched four and two-third strong innings, with Garrison Finck and C.J. Van Meter pitching in relief.

The Eagles, who won their opening game at the tournament on Friday, will play Petaluma in an elimination game on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

They must now win three straight games for a state championship.