The AZ Outlaws rallied to defeat the AZ Stars 8-3 Sunday and take the 18u ASA Tempe Fall Fiesta championship at Tempe Sports Park.

The Outlaws overcame a 3-1 deficit with five runs in the top of the fifth inning. The team loaded the bases with no outs to start the inning on a leadoff double by Rachel Thompson, a single by Rachel Garcia and a bunt single by Camille McIver.

After a fielder’s choice forced a runner out at home, Amanda Cole tied the game at 3 with a two-RBI single. Cole came through in the clutch all game for the Outlaws, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI.

Outlaw Amanda Byler gave her team the lead a batter later when her infield single scored Jaclyn Jayo. Byler finished the game 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI.

The Outlaws scored the final two runs of the inning following a single by Ashley Hall. Cole attempted to score on the play and eventually made it home on a throwing error. Byler also scored on the errant throw to give the Outlaws a 6-1 lead.

The Outlaws added two insurance runs in the sixth on an error and an RBI infield single by Jayo that scored Rikki Garcia. Garcia reached base earlier in the inning on a double.

The Stars took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third. Dani Nelson stole home to tie the game at 1. She reached base on a fielder’s choice and moved to third on a single by Jackie Aguire.

Following an infield single by Laurasia Rosso, Aguire scored on a single by Bri Schrimpf. Rosso scored on the play after an outfield error. Schrimpf moved to third on the play.

After allowing the three third-inning runs, Thompson buckled down in the circle and shut down the Stars. She allowed two earned runs in six innings and struck out one.

The Outlaws scored the first run of the game in the second inning when Cole crossed home plate on Byler’s RBI double.

Both teams loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning, but failed to score. Thompson and Stars pitcher Mackenzie Bates each induced ground balls to escape the inning unscathed.