BY ANTHONY STEVENS
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
HONAKER — As has become the custom, it will be an all-Tiger final in the Black Diamond District.
In the opening game, Haysi defeated Twin Valley 7-3 at Harding Field to advance to the Region D Tournament for the 15th consecutive year.
Haysi (11-9) scored all the runs it would need in the first inning. The Tigers put four runs on the board, banging out four hits before the crowd had a chance to settle into their seats.
Designated hitter Ethan Childress did the most damage with a two-run double for Haysi.
“It’s big in a game like this to get up early,” Haysi coach Dwayne Stanley said. “That put the pressure on Twin Valley. We came out ready to play but Twin Valley did a good job of staying in the game.”
Junior Morgan Yates pitched the complete game to get his seventh win of the year for Haysi.
“This is my first year on varsity,” said Yates. “It feels great to help my team advance to the regional. We’ve had our ups and downs this season but I believe this is a good team.”
Yates was able to pitch out of several jams. Twin Valley (7-13) left nine runners on. Haysi struggled defensively, committing five errors, but Yates only allowed three hits.
“Hitting is our strong point but we just didn’t hit the ball,” said Twin Valley coach Steve Hamro. “Jacob [St. Clair] did a great job. He’s been our most consistent pitcher this year and he threw a great game.”
Josh Branham, Tyler Mullins and Nathan Robinson each had two hits for Haysi. Robinson and Childress each had two RBIs.
Twin Valley 002 010 0–3 3 3
Haysi 401 002 x–7 11 5
St. Clair and Hicks. M. Yates and Mullins. W—M. Yates (7-3). L—St. Clair (3-3).
Honaker 14, Council 1
In the nightcap, regular season champion Honaker advanced to the tournament championship with a rout of Council.
“I have to be happy,” Tiger coach Tom Harding said. “These kids have battled all year and never quit. They are just a super bunch to be around. I’m just glad that I can be a part of it.”
Freshman Chaz Miller went the first four innings to notch the win and finished with nine strikeouts. Justin Hall then came to the mound for his first action as a pitcher this season and struck out the side in the fifth inning to end the game. Council (4-15) only had one hit, a run-scoring double by Kegan Bostic.
The Honaker pitchers received plenty of offensive support. David Keene hit a two-run homer in the first inning and the Tigers rolled from that point. Keene also added a run-scoring single in the fourth. Hunter Wilson also had two hits, while Clay Smith had a single and two RBIs.
Honaker (17-3) will host Haysi in the championship game on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Council 001 00–1 1 5
Honaker 213 8x–14 12 0
Boyd, Obermeyer (4), Bostic (4) and Webb. Miller, Hall (5) and H. Wilson, Horton (5). W—Miller (3-0). L—Boyd (0-4). HR—Keene (H), 1st, one on.
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