ALEXANDRIA, La. — The Concordia 9-year-old Dixie Youth All-Stars had to hold their breaths in the last inning of Friday’s opening game of the state tournament.

After scoring three runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 8-5 lead over host Alexandria, Concordia almost let that lead slip away in the bottom of the inning before hanging on for the 8-7 victory.

Concordia actually jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Alexandria got back in the game in the last two innings.

After Concordia scored two runs in the top of the fourth on a Drake Smith double and J’veion Scott single to take a 5-1 lead, Alexandria answered with four runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 5-5.

But Concordia came right back in the top of the fifth, with Trey Poole, Doodie Smith and Freddie Mango scoring what would turn out to be the winning runs.

Alexandria came back with two in the bottom of the inning, but it wasn’t enough as Concordia held on and will advance in the winner’s bracket.

Caden Poole was the winning pitcher for Concordia while Drake Smith, Dre’ Taylor and Nick Melton all had doubles.

Concordia will play New Orleans at 1 p.m. today in a winner’s bracket contest.