The Auburn 10-11-year-old All-Stars had a big fifth inning.

The trouble was, Pinebush had a bigger one.

In a win-or-go-home game, Auburn had a win within reach after a Joe Schillace home run was part of a four-run inning late in Sunday's state tournament game.

But Pinebush rallied right back with seven runs en route to a 10-7 win, ending Auburn's run at a state title.

Still, having advanced that far - with a district championship and a sectional championship in hand - was reason for Auburn to be proud.

“The kids were disappointed, but still they say, ‘Hey, we're one of the top teams in the state,'” head coach John Fiermonte said after the loss.

Auburn took an early lead and never trailed until that fateful fifth inning.

Nick Fiermonte led off the game with a walk, and Matt Nolan took first after being hit by a pitch.

Luke Drancsak plated Fiermonte with a single to put Auburn on top 1-0 after the top half of the first.

Pinebush's Brian Guzman drilled a solo home run to tie it in the bottom of the inning, though, and it remained knotted at one until the third.

Jimmy Spinelli reached on an error, and Matt Moore stepped in to pinch run for him. Nolan followed with a double to drive in Spinelli.

Drancsak was hit by a pitch, and Schillace drew a walk to load the bases.

Nolan scored on a pass ball, but Auburn couldn't bring in another run, and took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the third.

Pinebush chipped away, adding a run in the third and another in the fourth to tie the score again.

Then Auburn's offense erupted.

Nolan drew a walk, and Drancsak singled. Schillace followed through with a home run - his second in as many games in the state tournament - to put Auburn on top 6-3.

Nicco Lupo reached on an error and advanced to second on a pass ball, and R.J. Anderson knocked him in with a single to cap off the four-run rally.

The lead was short-lived, however.

Trailing 7-3 now, Pinebush stormed back. They scored seven runs on four hits and three walks in the bottom of the inning, and Auburn had one last chance to stay in the tournament.

Nick Fiermonte singled in the top of the sixth, but that was all the offense Auburn had left.

“Our run is over, but it's been a great time,” John Fiermonte said.

“I hope this is something the kids will remember for the rest of their lives.”