PAINESVILLE — Caden Armstrong’s 2-run home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference as Galion defeated New Albany 5-4 on Tuesday in the Ohio 12U Little League State Tournament at Kiwanis Recreation Park in Painesville.

“It was a nail-biter,” said Galion head coach Jason McMullen. “It’s a game I’ll never forget.”

Owen Mullins started the game and was the winning pitcher.

“Owen did a fantastic job,” said McMullen. “His control was fantastic. He had great velocity on his fastball, probably in the low 70s. He threw as well as I’ve ever seen him throw, and I’ve been around him since he was 7-years old.”

Galion (2-1) took a 2-0 lead after one inning and led 3-1 at the end of two. New Albany pulled to within 3-2 with a run in the third.

Armstrong’s blast in the top of the sixth gave the orange and blue a 5-2 lead. New Albany scored twice in the bottom of the sixth after loading the bases with no outs, but Galion held on to earn the win.

McMullen said middle infielders Wilson Frankhouse and Matthew McMullen made great defensive plays to retire New Albany in the sixth. After loading the bases, Spencer Keller regained his composure and induced ground balls to get out of the inning.

New Albany (1-2) was eliminated after suffering its second loss of the tournament.

Galion is off until Thursday when it will play either North Canton (1-0) or Cuyahoga Falls North (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Those ballclubs play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Ohio 12U Little League Baseball Tournament

Kiwanis Recreation Park, Painesville

Tuesday’s results

Galion 5, New Albany 4 (NA eliminated)

Canfield (1-1) v. Wheelersburg (1-1)

Wednesday’s schedule

Mount Vernon (1-0) v. Hamilton West Side (2-0), 5 p.m.

North Canton (1-0) v. Cuyahoga Falls North (2-0), 7:30 p.m.

Thursday’s schedule

Canfield/Wheelersburg winner v. Hamilton West Side/Mount Vernon loser, 5 p.m.

Galion (2-1) v. North Canton/Cuyahoga Falls North loser, 7:30 p.m.