Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The RELL All-Stars celebrate a home run by Parker Morgan during Tuesday’s District 26 game at Hiller Park in McKinleyville.

By Ray Hamill — The Redwood Empire 12-year-old All-Stars will get the rematch they wanted after a big come-from-behind win in the District 26 tournament at Hiller Park in McKinleyville on Tuesday night.

Playing an elimination game against rival Eel River, the RELL players overcame an early three-run deficit with 10 unanswered runs on the way to a 10-3 victory.

Home runs by Parker Morgan and Grant Banducci keyed the late rally, as the RELL All-Stars exploded for nine runs in the fifth inning to take control of the game.

The win sets up a showdown against host McKinleyville in the championship round on Wednesday night.

McKinleyville is 2-0 in tournament play, including a 5-2 win over RELL on Monday.

A win for McKinleyville on Wednesday would secure the District 26 title, whereas a win for Redwood Empire would force a true championship showdown between the two teams on Thursday afternoon.

With Tuesday’s win, RELL improved to 2-1 in tournament play.

Wednesday’s game is set for 5:30 p.m.

The tournament winner will advance to this month’s Section tournament.

The RELL players celebrate Grant Banducci’s home run on Tuesday night.