The Latta Vikings took a 10-8 loss from the Cheraw Braves in the championship game of the FCU Diamond Challenge on Tuesday.

Cheraw took a two-run lead in the top of the first, but Latta picked up their first run in the bottom of the inning to trail 2-1. The Braves added another run in the top of the third, and Latta tied things 3-3 with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. But Cheraw broke loose for seven runs in the fifth inning to take a 10-3 lead. Latta added five runs in the sixth, but couldn’t close the gap, falling 10-8 after seven innings.

Cheraw’s Jordan Melton pitched five innings for six hits, three runs, three earned runs, two walks, and one out. Latta’s John Kever Love took the loss, pitching three innings for nine hits, seven runs, six earned runs, one walk, and three outs.

Winston Martin and James Davis each went 3-for-5 to lead Cheraw, with Michael Ballard going 2-for-5. The Braves had 14 hits and two errors in the win.

Josh Bowen went 3-for-5 to lead Latta and Donell Stanley went 2-for-3. The Vikings had 11 hits and three errors.

Cheraw’s overall record is 11-5 with a 4-2 in Region 4-2A. Latta is 12-2 overall with an undefeated 7-0 record in Region 8-A.

The Vikings will be at Green Sea-Floyds on Tuesday, April 9, and Lamar on Thursday, April 11, but will be back at home in Latta on Friday, April 12, to host Hannah-Pamplico.