The Cary Babe Ruth team, playing in its second consecutive Southeast Regional on July 16, was comfortable despite being in the loser’s bracket for the first time in two years.

It was one strike away from staying alive another day, with nobody on base and a two-run lead.

But Cary’s opponent, South Orlando, hit back-to-back bloop singles. And with two strikes on the final batter – who was 0-for-3 on the day – Orlando hit a three-run home run to end the game.

Shocked, Cary was defeated 5-4 in Alexander City, Ala.

“He hits a high pop-up that keeps going,” said Cary coach Jere Morton IV.

Cary went 2-2 in the tournament, opening with a 10-2 win against North Fairfax, Va., and a 5-3 defeat of Covington County, Ala.

On Monday morning, defending Southeast champ Mobile, Ala., sent Cary to the loser’s bracket with a 13-6 loss, meaning Cary would have to play Orlando in the afternoon. Cary led 4-2 against Orlando in the bottom of the ninth, but the next two batters reached base before the game-sealing home run.

In the last two years, Cary has lost just three games, making it to the Southeast regional final last season in South Boston, Va.

This year’s team raised $2,272.43 in donations to help cover the travel, meal and hotel expenses.

“It was special to see some former Cary Babe Ruth players that contributed money,” said Morton. “It’s nice to know that people do care about the Cary Babe Ruth program.”