It has been two years since we last crowned a state softball champion, but that will change as we have six fantastic games over the next three days.

Welcome everybody inside the Benton Schools Athletic complex alongside former Arkansas Razorbacks sending power.

I am Dorian Crafton.

City we could not have picked a better game to start with this two way final between the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs, Annie Mansfield, Lady Tigers.

Both of these teams very evenly matched led by freshman pitchers and what is going to be the difference maker in teams that are so even today?

I think the difference Maker is going to be their pitching staff.

Both pictures are absolutely phenomenal and have been for both teams as entire season, so we're going to see two great pitchers go head to head.

I think they're going to need to stick to what they have done the entire season.

That's made them successful.

We started this game a little bit early so we bring you now into the top of the first thing, as the Mansfield Tigers have loaded the bases after McCain Lee guest.

Hit #13 Chloe Creekmore that is going to bring up #1 Natalie Allison, the sophomore, and this is not about are you one at the plate with the bases loaded, hitting over 400 on the season.

Right Dorian Ann right now before she was hit by a pitch.

Allison Edwards had a double off the left centerfield wall, advancing Keira Thomas.

**** ** the ground.

A third plate comes home.

From tuckerman he gets the four sound at the plate, and that's exactly what you want in that situation.

Bases loaded ground ball to third base.

Get the out at home, get the lead runner.

That's exactly what you want.

Heads up play by Kenzie Sowden over at third base, but the Lady Bulldogs not out of danger yet.

They still have the bases loaded with two outs.

That is, Skylynn Harris swinging at the first pitch, just as have been absolutely incredible on the mound, the sport far she did give up that double, but she is really been working these hitters on the outside part of the plate, really throwing a great screwball.

Hard in the air to left field.

But it is a line drive out as Mansfield loads the bases with the Lady Tigers unable to bring anybody in, guest gets out of a jam and we are scoreless as we head to the bottom of the first here in the two eight final you are watching the Centennial State Softball Championships on Arkansas PBS.

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Welcome back to inventing schools athletic complexes.

We're in the bottom of the first or the Tuckerman.

Lady Bulldogs will come to that.

The Lady Bulldogs 28 and four on the season.

the Champions of the 282 Conference riding a 12 game winning streak.

And they are lucky to be tide in this game.

So far as Mansfield loaded the bases in the top of the first.

The Bulldogs lineup.

This is a very powerful lineup.

You know.

Starting out with Shane Lee Williams, she is a spark of the lineup.

She's a great left handed hitter.

She can do it all from the left side.

She's also very influential for her team, coach said.

So what a better person to start off the line up in the you know state championship game and they will be going up against the fantastic freshman right hander Allison Edwards.

She has been the workhorse for this Mansfield team.

She is pitched all 112 innings during the season.

She has a great low iare.

She has been phenomenal on the mount for this team.

Actually during the warm up we just saw our slip a little bit so I think she's on the sidelines getting her shoes back on, getting ready to go out there and pitch.

When we saw that in the top of the first from Icali Gist is well remember here are bent and this is in all turf field.

These are somewhat new city and I both played on the traditional dirt and grass but the turf has become more popular with the weather.

There has been rain in the area so footing will be especially important as we continue on throughout these championships, right?

It's really unfortunate when it rains.

It is good that it's turf but it gets a little.

It's slick, especially pitching and sliding.

You have to be cautious of that when you're going sliding into the base.

Shanley Williams leading off this Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs lineup and really the first five kind of a murderers row for Tuckerman taller hitting over a right around that 400 mark.

As we get set to go.

Williams offers at the strike.

She does a great job there.

First pitch out of the chute attacking Shane Lee Williams.

That one slipped out of the grasp of Edwards for Ball 2 and Shanley Williams really kind of what we've seen.

These left handed hitters evolve into over the years.

She can slap it, she can drop it down for the bunch.

She can hit away.

And she takes that one high, a very difficult lefty to defend leading off this order.

And to be honest, being a former athlete slapping, I love to see a leadoff hitter being able to, you know, use all of her tools this turf field.

It's going to be super important.

She puts the ball on the ground.

I want just off the outside corner is Williams has run the count to three and one, and if you're Allison Edwards the thing you really don't want to do here is go ahead and walk the leadoff hitter right in this big moment.

You really don't want to get behind in the count.

Slap foul down the left field line.

She just did a really great job of staying on that pitch.

It was right outside screwball off the plate.

She really stayed on it to foul it off.

Edward, really wanting to stay away from the powerful balance of the Lady Bulldogs.

Chop down the ground a third over in time to get the speedy Williams bias sent for the first out of the inning and support your team and join the conversation on social media with the hashtag.

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As we continue through these championships over the weekend, this is the first in what will be 60 championship games.

This one will be followed at 4:00 o'clock by the five A state championship between Benton and Greenwood is Kenzie Sowden takes ball one high.

Edwards not able to get sewed into bite on the outer part of the corner in.

Sowden is drawn, 14 walks on the season, one of the higher totals for this team.

Vol 3 low and so far Edwards having a little bit of a hard time finding the strike zone here in the early going right, I see I think something that we're seeing from Edwards right here, both left handed batters.

She's really attacked them on the outside part of the plate, losing it just a little bit outside.

Sowden works a four pitch walk in.

For Edward, sometimes pictures can get a little bit too fine when they're trying to paint the corners, and what happens is then you're starting to put extra runners on instead of allowing them an opportunity to put the ball in play and let your defense gets out behind.

Get out, get out behind you.

Gracie Smith hitting 526 on the year steps in, takes ball one on the inside part.

Two, a note of Smith is that one even further on the inside of inside part of the plate and Smith going to put the ball in play.

She leads this team in hits with 61 and she does not strike out or walk much.

Only eight walks on the year.

Only six strikeout, so she is definitely a contact hitter.

Edwards gets the call and the fans from Tuckerman didn't quite like that one.

They thought it was in the same spot as the first two.

They sure did it and right now Edwards, even to a right-handed batter, staying on the inside part of that plate.

That one low and in.

Ball three and.

Edwards really trying to make sure she locks up the Tuckerman batters on the handle, not giving them an opportunity to extend their hands on that inside pitch.

Flared into the right center field gap over the head.

Sirens going to be raised around 3rd.

No play at the plate.

Sudden will be safe as Tuckerman takes the lead on the stand up triple by Gracie Smith.

Gracie Smith just did a phenomenal job getting inside of that pitch, hitting it to right field.

Haley Walker she took a not so great angle, got overhead but what a better time than the first heading to jump ahead.

And that's where that four pitch walk from Sowden looms large.

You put runners on, and, unfortunately for Mansfield, Tuckerman will make you pay as they've done all year.

You're exactly right.

Dorian and a big time game like this, getting you know, walking about or getting her on base, can't let it happen.

You can't make the moment bigger than what it is.

Audrey altam at that point she has 37 runs batted in on the year, leads the team in that category also leads the team in doubles.

And this is a lot of power coming to the plate right now.

Yes, it is.

This team has a lot of power.

They really attack the zone early in their counts, which makes them very successful at the plate.

First pitch swinging pops it up.

It's going to stay on the infield.

Skylynn Harris makes the ground for the second out.

You know, in that situation Dorian, I would like to see Olton be a little bit more patient at the plate.

You know, previously, she Kinsey Sowden had that four pitch walk.

Gracie Smith just hit the triple, but I would have liked to have seen her be a little bit more patient.

And now Michaela guests will get a chance to help her own cause.

First pitch swinging again Edwards calling forward in the circle.

And she makes the third out.

But Tuckerman gets on the board courtesy of an RBI triple from Gracie Smith.

They lead one to nothing as we head to the top of the second inning.

We were watching the Centennial State Softball championships on Arkansas PBS.

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It'll be Haley Walker, Cole Smith and Harley Fuller coming to play in the top of the second for the Mansfield Lady Tigers as they find themselves trailing one to nothing in this 2A state championship against the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs and.

Mckaley guess going back to work in the circle.

Mansfield able to get to her in the first inning they loaded the bases, but not able to bring anybody in.

The 789 coming up and 789 have been able to start some rallies as they made it through the state tournament.

Will try to get started here.

Well, you never can play with Walker Haley Walker batting 274 on the year 17 hits, three doubles.

Really quickly Dorian, I think what we've seen so far in the first inning, both offenses, they've put a little bit of pressure on the defense, so we'll see how Edwards and just respond the rest of the game.

Ball one to the outside.

Yes, still trying to stay away from these hitters and.

Sidney as a leadoff hitter in this situation?

What's the mindset that a player is coming into this at bat with, I think, similar to what I just talked about with Edwards.

Don't make the moment bigger than what it is.

That one catches the part of the plate for strike one.

This is a really good count here, right here?

She's in a positive hitters count one and one will see what she does with this next pitch thrown.

Swings at strike two.

And that one had a little bit of a drop on it, right?

She's usually east to West, but that drop ball.

I think she was trying to throw screw dropped a little bit was really great pitch.

Try to go high but missed with the rise ball evens the count at two and two and.

I mean, we talked about Allison Edwards doing the majority of the work.

For Mansfield, it's been McKay Leagas doing the majority of the work for Tuckerman this year.

Was that one skips to the backstop, but it's unusual to see freshman leading the charge in the way that guest and Edwards are doing for both of these teams.

And it's nice to see them doing this.

Donnie Eval talking about Edwards said she played way beyond her years exactly right.

Both pictures of growth so much throughout their season, but it's really exciting.

They've got three more years left with these programs.

Tuckerman fans thought that one caught a part of the play, but it is going to be a leadoff walk for Haley Walker.

And if you are Mansfield, that's the way you wanted to start the inning after coming off the bottom half of the first where you gave up or run.

So now the Lady Tigers in business with a runner on 1st coal filler.

Swinging at the first pitch drops in.

Anslee Dawson trying to get the runner at first Walker at held up to make sure that ball wasn't caught.

The throw sails high into left field and just like that the Lady Tigers with two on and no outs.

Yeah walking Haley Walker really got it started for Mansfield and then that soft fly.

You know sometimes those types of hits they get the job done blooming and molasses.

Sometimes all you need is hardly fuller steps in.

Shows Bunt puts it down on the ground.

Tuckerman able to get the out at first guess getting over just in time to beat Fuller to the bag.

In that situation, that is perfect for Fuller knowing what she needs to do, what her role is getting the job done, laying the bunt down to advance the runners.

You love to see it now we have runners at second and third with the top of our lineup with Adams, Brooklyn, Adams struck out in her first at Bat, worked a full count before striking out swinging.

That one goes to the backstop.

Walker thought about it for a second thought.

Better of it is.

Audrey Autumn quickly back there to prevent the run from coming in but.

Adams hitting 516 on the year doesn't get a ton of RBI opportunities.

Hitting primarily in that leadoff spot does have 18 runs batted in on the year.

Takes a good cut, fouls it back.

I think Walker the pitch before.

Do you think she thought it was going to bounce off the pads on the backstop a little bit harder?

It can be difficult to read without padding on the background.

Sometimes the padding will dead in that back there.

Sometimes it will bounce back.

There's not a ton of room here at Benton, probably on the safer side to let her wait is.

Line through the right side.

That's going to bring in one it's misplayed and right field.

Here comes.

Another run and Mansfield has taken the lead as Cole Smith, able to score from second on the error in right field.

Just like I said earlier, Dorian, these offenses.

They're putting pressure on the defense and what I love is I'm going to give kudos to Harley Fuller, forgetting that bunt down to get them in scoring position and big time hit by Adams to scored both runners.

Keira Thomas swinging at the first pitch in Mansfield, has been the aggressor on the offensive side here so far.

They absolutely have, you know, they've had a walk, a hit by a pitch.

But I mean man.

There absolutely putting the ball in play.

I think they're sticking to their approach and they're really dialed in at the plate.

They're not expanding the zone so far.

That one is driven to deep centerfield, but the park will contain it.

It was right.

At Shanley Williams standing in center field, but she gave that ball ride that really was a good piece of hitting, especially in the account that she was in.

She, I mean really hit it solid.

Allison Edwards stepping to the plate with two outs.

Edwards hit a double in the top of the first inning.

Edwards, with a 521 average three home runs, just got two outs on the board.

Will see what she does.

Line fell into the top of the first base dugout and it was Edwards.

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The thing that I'm loving to see right now from Edwards Dorian is she is going up to the plate.

So aggressive.

Michaela guess not giving these hitters a ton to swing at is that one rises up and out of the zone, but when they are when she is they are certainly taking advantage of it.

And that's the mindset you have to have in a game like this, right?

So you, you know what a state championship was like.

You've played in four of am yourself.

I mean, there's not another game you gotta take a chance at it.

You're exactly right.

Knock down the line to 1st.

Reagan washum beats Edwards to the bag, but Mansfield.

Scores 2 on a walk in two hits as they have taken the lead 2 to one here in the top of the second and we head to the bottom half of the inning and you are watching the Centennial State Softball championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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123 welcome back into the Benton Sports Complex.

You are watching this Centennial State softball championships on Arkansas.

PBS and softball is a game of runs and that has been highlighted here so far.

Is Mansfield scored two in the top of the second to take a 2-1 lead over the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs.

But Washum Walker in Fortenberry, coming to bat in the bottom half of the 2nd and.

We talked a lot about the top half of the order in the bottom of the first inning, but the bottom half of the order just as potent for the Lady Bulldogs.

You're exactly right, Dorian.

Washing takes Balwan high in in.

Hitting 370 on the year with 34 hits in 92 at bats.

Takes ball low ball too low.

I think from that last top of the second inning that we saw from Mansfield Tuckerman, you know, threw a punch in the bottom of the first mix, scoring the first run.

It's great that Mansfield came in the top of the second and threw a punch back.

Edwards with the 20.

Ball 3 inside and just says McKay Lee gets working the outside part of the plate.

Edward staying in and continuing to stay into these Mansfield hitters she has in these mansville hitters.

They have really.

Washington taking all the way that was a strike, and.

That one ball for high and just like.

In the first inning.

Tuckerman able to get a runner on via the walk right?

And I think the thing with the Tuckerman hitters right now is Allison Edwards.

She is getting behind in the count.

These hitters are getting ahead in the count so it's really making for some quality at bats.

Lizzie Walker the DP.

Swinging at the first pitch fouled back to the screen.

Walker hit her first home run of the season in the state semifinal win over Spring Hill.

She's also another lefty in their lineup who can really do damage from the left side.

Cindy, it's funny you mention damage because I was just about to say that this line of one through 9.

They're all tough outs.

You're exactly right.

Every single batter in this lineup when they step up to the plate they're bringing it.

There's not hitters in this lineup where you know there's hitters that are kind of hidden or you know it's calling.

What are they going to do when they step up to the plate?

No, they're getting the job done.

Soft on the ground, a short cutoff.

By Brooklyn Adams ranging way over to the glove side.

Gets it over to 2nd in time to get washum nice play by Adams being heads up in that situation to get the lead runner right.

That's a really great job.

By Adams coming across the diamond.

She took that ball from Keira Thomas but I absolutely love it.

She was aggressive, she got the lead out.

That brings up Anna Fortenberry, the second baseman.

Looks at a ball inside.

Edwards right now.

She still sticking to her plan, throwing these Tuckerman hitters screw balls inside will see if she keeps continuing to stick with this approach.

Another one high and in an.

Mansfield so far doesn't look like they're paying a lot of attention to Lizzie Walker over there at first.

Tuckerman doesn't steal a whole lot of bases.

And there it is again.

Dorian, I mean she's throwing that screwball and the inside part, I think, until Tuckerman can prove to you know, she Edwards, that they can hit that pitch.

I think she's going to keep sticking to that side of the blade.

Swings of that one on the inner half of the part of the plane and.

I think for Tuckerman, until Ricky Geiger starts calling it a strike, they're not going to swing at it, and you are exactly right.

And to what we've been seeing from these hitters, or they're getting jammed.

They've had a lot of popups, even the ball that was hit to right field.

She got jammed on that pitch.

22 to Fortenberry.

High in a way, Fortenberry lays off to run the count full.

This is a really good at bat right here by Fortenberry.

She staying disciplined, she's not expanding the zone.

There's been a few pitches that have been borderline.

She's doing a great job.

The three two.

And she got her swinging.

Edwards comes right after Fortenberry in the top half of the zone.

And she sets her down with a strikeout for the second out of the inning.

Edwards just did a great job right there in a full count, throwing that pitch up in the zone, really trusting that pitch.

Starts and ends Lee Dawson with the ball high and out there.

It looked like Edwards is trying to throw a curve.

Got a little bit away from her.

Got out of the zone.

Came back inside with that screwball for strike.

I thought it was straight to the board, says one in one so.

Maybe two and one is that ball low and inside?

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And of course, softball, not the only state championships going on this weekend.

The Baseball state championships being held here at the Benton Schools athletic complexes while they will start later in the day.

This 2A state finals kicking off the action, but we will have baseball in the 5A between Van Buren and Jonesboro coming up at 1:00 PM.

Is that ball flared into foul territory just out of reach of the first baseman Skylynn Harris.

Paris did a great job of taking good angle, going back on that ball.

She almost had it just a little bit short.

Those little tweeters can sometimes be deceptively hard, so they can, especially when it's spinning off the bat like that.

3/2 to Dawson.

With two outs and runner on 1st for Tuckerman.

And she takes ball for high.

That's another great at bat by Dawson.

She really in that full count she didn't expand her zone.

Another great at bat.

The two walks in the inning for Techiman bring us to the top of the order in Shanle Williams, the center fielder.

Williams the lefty slapper.

You see the infield shift?

Nepal.

Outside, but the infield shifting, they expect Williams to lay one down.

As you see, both second base and shortstop move in just a step or two.

Filed back to the screen.

From both at bat so far from Shane Lee Williams, she's been all over.

Edwards pitches.

Another thing that I love to see is is when she's moving through the box is a slapper.

She goes at such a controlled pace.

She really has great mechanics up at the plate.

Williams batting 481 on the year 50 hits on the season for the junior.

Is the one one.

Low.

Bobbled for a second by Creekmore behind the plate.

Good job to control it to keep the Tuckerman runners where they are.

The two one from Edwards.

**** ** the ground.

Back up the middle, but right at Edwards.

And she throws it over to 1st for the third out of the inning as Tuckerman gets runners on but can't get him in an over Mansfield.

Still leading 2 to one as we head to the top of the third inning here in the two A state championship you are watching the Centennial State Softball Championships on Arkansas.

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The Mansfield Lady Tigers come to bat in the top of the third inning with a 2-1 lead over the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs.

It will be Creekmore, Thomas and Smith in the top of the third with.

Edwards Horn and Adam potentially coming up after that, and Chloe Creekmore, the senior catcher.

Has been absolutely outstanding at the plate this season.

Committed to National Park College in Hot Springs.

Leading the team in a batting average with 456.

Swinging at the first pitch from guest into the whole it short but over in time what a throw by Gracie Smith to get Creekmore by a step.

That was an absolutely incredible play by Kenzie.

So done right there.

Also want to go back a little bit Dorrian so Mansfield just to paint the picture for everybody they came in with these fun hats they had music blaring in their dugout.

They had fun, but now they're serious.

And that is exactly what head coach Donnie Eval told us we asked about the hats.

He said they saw them last week at the state tournament in Carlisle.

They thought it would be fun, but they know when to flip that switch and they know when to be serious and they have come.

Ready to do business here today is that ball from gist on the outer half of the part of the outer part of the plate.

She has fallen behind Natalie Allison to know, and I think that's incredible that they show up to the field and you know they're loose.

They've got these hats on their blaring music and then they know how to turn that switch.

Ricky Gagger says that one was a strike.

Drop it.

Guest right now against Creekmore.

She's really sticking to that outside part of the plate.

Allison fouls that one back to even the counted two and two.

In Sydney, as it is so often with some of these smaller schools news, girls playing multiple different sports.

Allison, a member of the two, A state championship volleyball team.

Yes, both the volleyball team and he knows we're watching the softball team in the final game.

That's so cool that these athletes, they just want a volleyball state championship.

And now they're here competing, trying to win one for softball 3/2.

Into the gap in right center field but hangs up.

Enough for the out to be made by Anslee Dawson.

For the second out of the inning.

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Is that ball smoked?

Into the left center field gap by Skyland Harris.

For the stand up double.

Skyland Harris just did a beautiful job on that low inside pitch, really staying down through it smoking at past Gracie Smith.

Just a really great piece of hitting.

Haley Walker that is the 2nd double of the afternoon for Mansfield, and when they've been able to make contact, they've been able to really drive this ball off of McKinley Gyst and that is going to bring to the point.

The number 7 hitter, Haley Walker swinging at the first pitch slapped Foul Walker in the last about very patient, she walked.

Right now she's jumping on that first pitch strike.

Mansfield been very aggressive in thereabouts.

Here so far this afternoon.

Walker with ten RBI's on the season.

Would love to pick up #11 right here.

That guest.

Paint the outer part of the plate and quickly up in the account so into.

That is a great pitch biggis she really did a great job.

I think she took off a little bit of some speed right.

There was a little bit slower than her fastball.

The 02 high and out.

In that count right there for Walker Yaro into your behind in the count.

Sometimes it's easy to chase pitches and expand your zone.

She didn't do right that right there gets lost it a little bit up and out.

Ball 2 is that one just missed on the outer part of the plate and Walker.

Another one of these seniors on this Mansfield team and the Lady Tigers haven't brought home a state championship since 2012.

That was against Rosebud in the 3A and they would love to bring another title back for their community.

Not one fouled back is Walker stays alive.

Talking about community head coach Donnie he said that this would be huge for the community.

They've been so supportive for Mansfield this year, they've really shown support Ben at their games.

It would be huge for the community and you see just how much it means to the community by the fans in the stands here today.

The Benton Schools, athletic complexes, the 22.

That one just missing again.

Walker is run or worked herself a full count and you know it's so great to see Dorian.

All of these fans in the stands.

I mean, they're not at Bogle, but getting to play here.

It's been at a beautiful complex.

The fans just create the atmosphere there.

3/2 gets are looking as guest.

Once again, works herself out of the Jam gets Haley Walker looking at a pitch down the middle of the point to end the inning as we head to the bottom of the third.

With Mansfield still leading 2 to one, you were watching the Centennial State Softball Championships on Arkansas PBS.

Sports is is so important to this state and the fabric of the state, and I appreciate Arkansas, PBS doing all the state title games and that makes it available for not just the fans in Central Arkansas, South Arkansas, but fans around the entire state.

I can only think of the kids in small towns and this is the biggest moment.

Maybe in their sports careers and they have that keepsake of having that game on TV to have with them the rest of their lives.

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Well, the wind is starting to pick up here a little bit in the Benton Schools Athletic Complex.

As we head to the bottom of the third, it's getting a little bit cloudy, but the most important thing, city is is not raining.

That is exactly right.

Dorian, as long as there's not rain coming out of the sky, we are good to go.

Rain has been moving throughout the state of Arkansas this weekend.

Luckily it keeps getting pushed back, although right now the weather forecast says about 3:00 PM.

This afternoon is.

Anslee delivers the first pitch ball Dickens Isodon.

We've seen a little bit of the effects of the rain on the field here this afternoon, both pitchers having a little bit of a hard time with their footing earlier, but both seem to have settled in as the two oh for the 10.

Rather make it 20.

Is that one on the outer part of the point?

Edwards is really sticking to that outer part of the plate right now.

Throwing a screw off the plate.

She's been attacking lefties that way the entire game so far, the 20.

Sodium content, a.

Watch it go by.

I don't know about you, but two it was always my favorite hitters count.

Always definitely going positive count.

It's perfect.

Sudden thought about it, thought better of it, and as it turns out, that is ball three so.

Tuckerman is really been able to work some favorable counts here.

In these first couple innings against Edwards.

And another leadoff walk.

Leadoff walks are huge, but I want to go back to a couple of pitches ago.

I think Edwards did such a great job in a two account coming back and attacking his own.

It just didn't go her way that at bat, but a leadoff walk by Kenzie Sowden that is huge for her team and the bottom of the third inning.

Gracie Smith tripled in the bottom of the first to point Sutton, who walked.

In that first inning, and that is how Tuckerman scored their first run first and only run rather.

Does that one head to the backstop Soden off and running easily into second base?

Going back to Gracie, Smith's first at bat, she was so successful because she started out working ahead in the count.

Here we're seeing her.

She's worked again ahead in the count, so we'll see what she does with this two account.

Like you just said, it was your favorite one of mine too.

And with that wild pitch, Donnie evolved out to the mound, a kind of settled down his picture.

Talk to the infield.

As we mentioned, it's been awhile since Mansfield has been in this situation, and Cindy what what's he saying to them out there?

I think he's going out there just to say to.

Calm down, you know, let's take it pitch by pitch.

Just really stick to your approach.

Attack the hitters.

I think he's also probably talking to Edwards about, you know, let's attack the zone a little bit more.

Right now.

She's losing it a little bit early, but she just needs to keep digging in and grinding through it.

And again, like I said earlier, you know for these girls they're playing on a huge stage right now.

They're wanting to win A state championship so the nerves are there, but it's a third inning, so hopefully they're starting to die down as they don't let anyone tell you there aren't a little bit of nerves that go with this game.

Smith takes the 20 for strike one on the inner part of the plate and Smith again, leading this team in RBI's the one in the first innings her 49th of the season has the opportunity for Big #50 right here.

Edwards pops up.

It's going to stay on the infield into the glove of Cole Smith at 2nd and that is a big out for Allison Edwards.

That is a huge out by Allison Edwards.

She has a runner on 2nd.

No outs comes back and attacks Gracie Smith.

I think Smith right there she just didn't stay through the ball long enough.

But again, kudos to Edwards.

That's a great job pitching.

Of course you can't relax because Audrey Autumn coming up right behind her two for four with a home run earlier this year in their win over Vallivue 3rd on the team in RBI's in 37.

So she's got some pop.

Is that ball kicked away?

Nice job by creekmore.

To block it is sudden was already halfway down the base path.

The third I think sudden right there she's like.

I'm not going to go.

What am I going to do?

But yeah, really good job by creekmore keeping that ball in front she's really Bloxham will bolt some good balls so far.

When the difference in that ball I think is kick down to the third baseline, would have shortened the distance for creekmore to make that throw.

That one called a strike.

To Audrey autumn evening.

The count at one and one.

Altum just under 400 at three 76114 plate appearances.

As she takes a hack.

Not able to catch up with the offering from Edwards and I'll tell you, Dorian, I think since head coach Donnie came out there to talk to Edwards.

In her defense, I've seen a little bit of a change in Edwards.

She's really getting out there and getting going.

The 1/2.

Gets are swinging at the rise ball for strike three.

This is a really great job, but Edward she starts out first picture she walks, gets Gracie Smith to pop up and now she has a K against Audrey Altom she's she's throwing some punches.

Edwards went right after that.

Batter and.

Mckaley guest.

String swinging at the first pitch.

And you have to wonder if maybe guess adding a little bit of pressure on herself, knowing that she's the starting pitcher, she knows that she can even up the game here at the base hit.

Right, I guess that's the beautiful thing though, right?

Being so versitile pitching and hitting being dominant on both.

You know sides of the diamond, but yeah, you're exactly right.

Dorian, I think she just needs to stay within herself right here.

The one one from Edwards.

Softap are on the ground back to the mountain Edwards, again making the third out of the inning as she makes the throw to 1st.

Tuckerman gets a runner on, but schrans them in scoring position as they still trail 2 to one as we head to the top of the fourth.

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Never gonna stop.

Smith Fuller in the top of the order in Brooklyn, Adams do up for the Mansfield Lady Tigers as they are leading cute one here in the top of the fourth inning in the two a state softball championship that you were watching.

Arkansas PBS sports.

David Goldsmith Cole Smith had an RBI single back in the second to start the scoring.

For the Mansfield Lady tigers.

Smith on the ground is second.

Fortenberry over to 1st in time for the out one pitch, one out and there you go get his back out on the mound.

Really attacked Smith right there, one pitch one out just like you said.

Can't you know paint it better than that?

Non pictures love that keeps their workload down as hardly fuller steps into the box and.

Fuller had a sacrifice in the bottom of the second that moved both of those runners into scoring position, and she did a phenomenal job.

You know, you absolutely love to see it.

Someone willing to step up to the plate, get the job done, moved the runners.

You know what your role is when you step in that position.

And I already said it.

I give her kudos for that to run hit.

She got him into scoring position and did a phenomenal job.

Lays down another one, this time for a hit.

Hi Throwbot Fortenberry, able to contain it as they just get fuller bias step at first base and good idea by Fuller but nice execution by Tuckerman, exactly right.

Tuckerman just did awesome with that play on Defense Fortenberry.

She really hung on there but you know Fuller she's got some speed.

Not a bad idea right there.

Trying to put some pressure on the defense Bunning for a base hit.

Back to the top of the order in Brooklyn, Adams.

And she takes strike one atoms.

With a single and a strikeout so far today.

Adam, second at bat a loved her, you know seeing her come back after that strikeout and getting the job done.

Single through the right side is Adams, now two for three on the afternoon.

Kind of shaking her hand down at first base.

After that one, cut it off the end of the bat.

Yeah, I think it caught off the end of the bat.

Stronger hands, a little bit sometimes that happens, but hey, she got to base it like you said she's 2 for three.

Can't complain about that.

As I say, you'll take it for the base hit, right?

Oh exactly the two out single for Adams brings up Keira Thomas.

Thomas takes balwan low.

It's not a bad pitch right there.

Starting out the count drop ball.

Really not a bad pitch by guest.

Thomas, with four doubles on the season's eight RBI's sends that one out to center field that is high in playable and that will be the third out of the inning as she flies out.

To shanle Williams.

Easy inning for McKay League Istan the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs.

They will try and get something going here in the bottom of the fourth you were watching the Centennial State Softball Championships on Arkansas PBS.

Logan Duvall and I'm Lauren McCall and we are pleased to represent Arkansas PBS as the host of these first installments of the new segment series.

Good roots, good roots will explore the culture and innovation of small towns across the state of Arkansas.

Turned in for Arkansas, we can find us online.

You know, I think sports are really big to a lot of people, and because it is so important.

Part of our fabric in our community and the one good thing about what I've seen is its high quality production.

You know, you think of the small communities all over Arkansas.

It's a big deal that they can turn on the TV or DVR or whatever and they're going to quality product.

And so I think it just expands the focus of what PBS is doing in Arkansas.

PBS is doing a great job and I think it's part of education.

Washam Walker important Berry coming to the plate for the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs here in the bottom of the fourth as they trail 2 to one against the Mansfield Lady Tigers in the two A state championship and Sydney.

This is not a situation altogether that Tuckerman is unfamiliar with.

They trailed in both the regional Andy's state semifinal.

In fact, in the regional trauma.

Semifinal, they trailed Salem 11 to 6 before making a late game comeback exactly, and that just shows how relentlessly this team is.

You know, facing adversity like that that's not ever a bad thing because they're playing on a huge stage.

Right now they're trailing, but they know how to fight back.

Coach Matt Dillon said one of this team's biggest strength is there will not to lose, and they're going to have to find something here in the next couple of innings as they're trailing as washing takes strike one on the inner part of the plate.

I think Edwards has really found her groove right here.

We've seen in the last two innings.

Fouled off.

Back over the first base, dugout and quickly wash him down.

Oh, and two, and Edward.

You think that at some point she might tire.

She's a freshman.

Never played at this level before, and yet she just keeps getting stronger as the season and this game goes on, you're exactly right.

She is a workhorse for this team.

Blossom didn't miss that one by much as she finds it directly back to the screen behind her and you know, head coach Donnie.

He had said that she was tired in the semifinals, but in no way was she going to get taken out.

She was up there.

Gonna stay on that mound.

Allison Edwards, an absolute gamer.

No way you're taking the ball out of her hands as she brings the 02.

That one just a bit high.

Will experience the action all over again next week and watch all the championship games at youtube.com Backslash Arkansas PBS.

Is that one found a way and so far this is a game that I would definitely want to watch.

Again, this has been a fantastic game between two fantastic teams, both seated top in their region.

Coming into today's game right?

You're exactly right.

You've got 2 great pitchers going head-to-head, but two great offenses going head-to-head.

The 1/2 from Edwards.

Just a bit too inside as the count evens at two and two and you know we talked about how evenly matched these teams are in terms of offense and pitching that both come in on really long win streaks.

Tuckerman is 112 in a row, Mansfield winners of nine in a row coming into today.

**** ** the ground, back to Edwards.

And Edwards has been solid back in the mount feeling fielding her position as that is the third grounder she's gotten today.

I was just about to say Dorian.

She has done a great job of filling her position.

Sometimes you see pictures who the job done on the mound and then fielding wise, it's a little shaky, but she's been incredible.

She's had a hard hit ground ball hit back at her by Williams earlier.

She doing great.

Lizzie Walker the DP stands in.

Swinging at the first pitch fouled back.

Walker hit into a fielder's choice in the bottom of the second.

Whatever that thing to see a hitter come up to the plate and swinging at first pitch strike.

I love the aggressiveness, you know.

Whenever I was in college, it was funny.

Just our coaches had given us a percentage of how you know well hitters do by swinging at first pitch strike and I think it's like 80 something percent success rate by swinging at first pitch dry lava first pitch strike.

It sometimes is the best pitch that you're going to see during an entire about.

You're exactly right.

And then after that, if you get behind the account, you're going to have to hit with a picture.

Wants to throw one once they hit a pitchers pitch.

No, never.

Edwards with the 01.

Not one on the outside is Walker leaves it down in a way.

Right now we have a great ball game going like you said two to one.

We'll see how it continues, but Edwards, she's dealing right now.

Ball 2 and again we keep mentioning Edwards suggests a freshman playing.

Obviously in her first state championship game, but this is also the first state championship for the rest of this team.

Coach Donnie evil.

This is his first year with the team.

He wasn't with the program back when they won the state championship in 2012, so everyone a new stage for them today.

His Walker swing through the drop ball and talking about coach Eveld he said that he didn't even start in the position until February.

And you know, that's right about when the season starts.

So he's doing great things for this team.

The 22.

Walker chases Lowen away.

She strikes out for out #2.

Edwards just did a great job of working around Walker, getting her to chase.

That's exactly what she was wanting.

The third strike out of the afternoon for.

Allison Edwards Hannah Fortenberry, a victim of the strikeout in our last at bat.

Takes ball one low.

That one caught enough of the point Ricky guy are going to call that a strike to even the count one and one.

Another thing I want to point out about Edwards that I'm loving.

She works quick.

She doesn't take her time.

She works very quick.

Get your pictures in and get off the field so you can get back into hit this Fortenberry fouls it off.

Consuming, I think that's a sign of a picture that's a little bit more comfortable.

In our scenario, we are in the setting.

I should say, you know we saw earlier in the game taking a little bit more time, looked a little bit on shore, but now that she's really locked in, she's not wasting anytime.

You're exactly right.

She's found her groove.

She's in it now.

The 1/2 to Fortenberry and like you had said.

I think it just takes a little bit of time to get settled.

She is just a freshman.

She still has quite a journey with this team but she is doing great for her age playing on this stage.

Here's the 22.

Strike three looking.

The Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs go down in order groundout.

Strikeout, strikeout from Edwards, Mansfield heads to the top of the fifth inning leading 2 to one.

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Part of the order coming up for the Mansfield Lady Tigers here in the top of the fifth inning.

Allison Edwards, Chloe Creekmore in Natalie Allison do up.

They have been a murderers row for Mansfield this season.

They're working with a one run lead as we get closer to the seventh inning here in the two A state championship to start off Championship weekend.

Here in the Benton Schools Athletic Complex, Allison Edwards just got back to back strikeouts and the inning, and she swings at the first pitch.

It is high and deep and that ball is gone over the right centerfield fence.

Allison Edwards, the freshman doing it all today home run to put her team up three to one.

I mean, come on Oppo Taco.

She stays on that outside pitch and absolutely blasted over the right field fence.

Great piece of hitting an she you're right door and she's doing it all.

And then I think we've seen the hats come out to down there on the field.

The hats are out as the team meets are at home plate to celebrate her 4th home run of the year, Edward swinging at the first pitch CCS.

And as we just said it, she's really found her stride out on the mound.

And then here she comes up to the plate and gets the job done.

And no better way to leadoff an inning offensively than with a solo shot and right behind her.

The number four batter Chloe Creekmore, who's been the best hitter from Mansfield?

Takes about one blowing away on the other side of the diamond on the diamond.

Creekmore is a senior catcher behind the plate, really doing great things for this team.

Edwards credited the bond between herself and Chloe Creekmore for success this season.

Creekmore, of course, transferred into Mansfield from Greenwood ahead of her junior season.

One of two players transfer in from Greenwood, and we will see Greenwood later this afternoon.

And, of course, the Bulldogs have a fantastic tradition of success on the softball field.

That creekmore is helped bring here to Mansfield.

Back on the ground, Gist takes her time over to 1st for the out.

When you kind of saw there for throw looked it, she snapped it up.

It just her body language in the way that she threw that over to first kind of feels like she's really disappointed.

After giving off that lead up giving up that leadoff Homer almost definitely.

I don't think she's too happy about giving up that Homer to Edwards.

I wasn't sure if I was the only one that notice.

No, I noticed it too.

I noticed it too.

And I think you have a close Game 2 to one and then hitting that home or not that it gives you a lot of cushion.

OK, because we you know seeing them come back but you just don't want to see a home run hit off of you.

Not one fouled back over the press box and Sidney two year point in a low scoring game like this, you know one run can very easily feel like 5 or 10.

You're exactly right.

Guest and Edwards have been going head-to-head.

And you're right?

I mean, you don't want to see your run put on the Board of Pitchers Duel.

The one one.

Titan Fall 2 High Football 2 to Natalie Allison was over 2 on the day and I think the biggest thing for guest right now is yeah she gave up a Homer but to just re find herself calm down.

Focus on what's out in front of her.

And that's a good way to do it.

Is that one called for a strike?

I will give props to her though.

She gives up a Homer but then comes back and gets a ground ball out so that says a lot about she is a picture and an athlete.

The two two that one into right center field, but it's going to hang up and Lee Dawson is there to make the out.

She's coming back.

Use that anger the center it and then go to work.

Skylynn Harris steps to the point she's one for two.

Harris getting that double back in the third inning is that one.

Just a smidge inside, you know she's got a face mask on it.

Be OK. Said from someone who probably wore a face mask to someone who never did.

'cause I'm too old for face mask, but.

The 10 called strike one on the outer part of the week.

You know doing I give you major props for that because I want to my face mask my evoshield everything on.

The next thing I'm going to tell you, we walked to the field up hills both ways in the snow 11.

Not one high and outside and guests.

After giving up that home, run to right center field.

Really working the outer part of the plate trying to stay away from the these hitters.

You're exactly right.

She's really trying to work away.

Pitch around them right now.

Gets Harris chasing for strike two.

And I know I just said it, but after the home run she she really centered that energy.

She's been focused, blocked in.

She gets a ground ball out and then a fly out to right field the 22.

Not one well up and out of the zone as the count runs full.

Harris not one to strike out very often, only four strikeouts on the year.

Only six walks, so typically Harris puts the ball in play for 3/2.

And gets are looking on the inner part of the blade.

Guess gets the strikeout to end the inning, but the damage is done is Allison Edwards.

The freshman leads it off with a solo home run to right center field.

Mansfield extends their lead to three to one.

We head to the bottom part of the fifth.

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We are just over an hour into the first game in the state championship weekend.

The two, a final between the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs in the Mansfield Lady Tigers and it is Edwards, the freshman in the mound who has been doing everything for the Lady Tigers here this afternoon.

She is pitching a one hit game, got the home run to lead off the top of the fifth ending to help her team have a two run lead and Tuckermans got some work to do.

They're down to their final nine out here in this 2A state championship.

This has been a very quick game Dorian, but both teams they've been getting the job done out on defense pitching was and the players pitch playing behind the pictures.

They're doing a great job in the Lady Bulldogs will go.

912 is anslee.

Dawson tries to lay down the button.

It'll go foul for strike one.

I don't think that's a bad idea by Dawson she saw the corners playing back about Bag High, but I think Brooklyn Adam.

She's going to move in a little bit now that she's seen her square around Brooklyn.

Adams is moved about 10 feet ahead of that bag down there at 3rd and trying take away that bunch from.

Hansli Dawson, but I agree with you.

I like the idea.

Only one hit on the day for the Lady Tigers.

Why not try and drop a bunt for a base hit?

No one.

Make that O2 on the outer part of the plate.

Yeah, it's really not a bad deal at all.

Dorian, you know.

I like the small ball.

That aspect of the game.

Tucker men went down 123 in their half of the 4th.

As Dawson chases the high heat for out number one.

The last three batters for Tuckerman have gone down via the strikeout.

4 strikeouts on the day for.

Edwards is Shanley Williams in the top of the order stands in here in the bottom of the fifth.

Shows bunt, pops it up.

Creekmore tracks it down.

Chloe Creekmore with a fantastic grab going back towards the screen.

That is a great play by Creekmore she.

She bounces immediately out of her catchers position to go get that.

Tracking it back in foul territory again does a phenomenal job and she sticks with it.

Sometimes that plays hard, doesn't even take off the mask.

She had it all the way.

Oh no ain't caught it over her shoulders.

I think here in the state of Arkansas, people are so used to Casey Opitz for the men's baseball team.

Making that play look so easy.

It's really not.

It's a lot harder than it looks on TV.

No, most definitely.

Casey Opitz is a monster behind the plate.

Kenzie Sowden takes strike one.

Sowden has been on base both times, today via the walk.

The one one.

Now one stays too low.

Soda has been so patient at the plate here this afternoon.

Work two walks in her first two advances.

Run the count to three and one here against Edwards.

Goes after that one for strike two.

As Edwards is come back to run the count full, you think after that home run Edwards had a little bit more pep in Hurst at little bit more juice coming out here in the bottom half the 5th and the further along we get in this game the more Mansfield can taste it.

The three two.

Flared out to left field, but enough room.

Her Harley Fuller to track it down is Tuckerman goes down in order here in the bottom of the fifth we moved to the top of the sixth inning with the Mansfield Lady Tigers leading 3 to one.

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Let me take you for a ride on the baseline.

789 do up for the Mansfield Lady Tigers here in the top of the sixth inning of the two A state championship mckaley Gist will try and go to work to get her team back into the dugout and get a chance to get back in this final game.

As we are down to the last two innings, but it will be Walker Smith Ann Fuller standing in her way.

Found the first one back.

So Dorian, I want to bring up really quickly.

You know these athletes they haven't played.

They didn't play their season last year with the COVID ear.

How much does this really mean you've got a year taken away from you and now you're get you're able to be out on the field.

That was one of the common themes as we talked to all the coaches ahead of these state championships.

The really motivating factor for a lot of these players is the fact that they got that chance or that season taken away from them.

We talked a little bit in the college game.

You know you had the opportunity actually to choose whether or not you wanted to go back to the University of Arkansas.

You chose to move on.

While some players decided to say high schoolers didn't have that opportunity, is that ball found away and walk her down 1/2 you're exactly right and you know for college athletes that that's great.

They get that extra year back, but like you just said high school athletes, they didn't get that your back and you know, for those seniors last year there last season playing got taken away from him.

The 2020 season is most people know cancelled after three games.

Is that ball is high?

So it's been over 600 days since we have last crowned a state champion that will change this weekend and it will change, probably in about an half an hour here as we will have a new state champion in the two A of course Quitman.

The defending champion in 2019 they were actually knocked out by this man's field team in the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

You know, that's, you know, that's a huge thing for Mansfield to knock out the champion, and I mean then here they are playing on a high stage.

And don't forget you can sign up for our newsletter at myarpbs.org backslash sign up and be entered to win to keep wing Ken Burns Baseball series on DVD will draw for 12 winners.

Guess just did an awesome job throwing a screw away from Walker.

She really worked that count.

Well, really great pitch.

So a strikeout forgets to start the top of the sixth here that will bring up Cole Smith, who is 1 for two in the afternoon with a run.

Smith, a player with a lot of speech.

He leads the team in triples as she swings through that one quickly.

Down in the count.

The offering from Gyst flared out over towards first, but foul.

That's another great pitch biggis.

Getting her to chase, you know she just kind of threw her hands at it.

Now she's ahead in the count.

Despite the score, this one is still pretty much a pitchers duel.

Mansfield only with five hits.

Is that one tap fell?

Very much so.

A pitchers duel and honestly in my opinion, now that I'm not playing.

Those are some of my most favorite games to watch.

Your perspective changes when you're not playing anymore.

That's for certain.

Oh, most definitely.

1/2 fouled back again.

She is really attacking Smith right now on the outer part of the plate.

They were really great.

Screwball getting her to chase.

She's still ahead in the count, so Smith right here, she's really gonna have to fight.

1/2 again, this one on the ground in play.

Over the first easy play for Reagan Washum.

You know in that you know at that right.

There guess is working off the plate Smith, you know she.

She knew what she was expecting there.

Two outs now in the in the top of the six for Harley Fuller.

The number 9 hitter.

Fulero for one with the sacrifices.

Bolt on the outer part of the plate.

So our first at bat, she had the sacrifice bunt the 2nd at bat.

She tried to bunt for a base.

It wasn't a bad idea.

You know.

It's interesting with her bunting so much.

The corners.

I mean there are two outs but you never know what she might do it at the plate.

And she swings it that one.

For strike one.

The wind is starting to pick up a little bit in the press box here at the Benton Schools Athletic Complex.

Is the one one.

Find the backstop.

I think something that we're seeing from GIST here since Edwards homered.

She is really working every hitter on the outside part of the plate really staying off the plate on them.

The two won again on the outer part, just as you said.

Fuller swings through it and the Tuckerman fans loud.

Trying to encourage guests in the Lady Bulldogs to the third out here in the top of the sixth.

Strike three looking on the outer part of the plate.

Gist three up three down for the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs.

They will head to the plate trailing 3 to one you were watching.

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Never gonna stop.

Welcome back to the Benton Schools Athletic complex.

As we head to the bottom of the sixth here in the two a state softball championship between the Mansfield Lady Tigers and the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs Sydney, the Bulldogs entered their last six outs and of course they couldn't come to bat with a better part of their lineup.

They're going 345, which is exactly who they want up if they want to find a way to get back into the state champions exactly who they want to have.

And right now they just need to focus on string.

Some hits together, just taking it pitch by pitch.

They don't need to make the moment bigger than what it is.

They're down by two runs.

Just stick to who they are.

Get the job done, string together some base.

It's easier said than done when they're facing the freshman Edwards, who has been fantastic here in her state championship debut this afternoon as she spins that one in there for a ball.

But Edwards has been doing a little bit of everything, five innings pitched, giving up just one hit, one run.

5 strikeouts on the afternoon.

That one called strike one on the inner part of the point, and you know we talked about it a little bit earlier.

Doriane we talked about Edwards really attacking these hitters on the inside part and she is stuck to that approach in that play in the entire game.

Ball too low and you can feel a little bit the energy here inside the stadium is picked up.

The fans know that is down to the last part of these games that Ackerman fans getting a little bit louder.

There was a brief chop song just playing.

Now I'm **** ** the ground a third blood by Adams can't make the play.

Gracie Adams gets on to start the inning as Brooklyn Adams got a glove on it over at third base, but couldn't make the play over at first tough hop for Adams over there at 3rd.

That was a top tough hop as she tried to backhand it and then she just couldn't quite stick with it.

But that's exactly what Tucker men needs right here.

They need things like that to happen that will bring up Audrey Altima.

Catcher has a lot of power.

And she will stand in and take balwan.

And to go back to the comment that you made Dorian, it is so great.

I mean, fans are up on their feet.

They're excited, they're getting loud.

They are down to their last six outs.

So this is a huge part of the game.

They're going to call that an error on Brooklyn Adams Alton swinging right at first base.

Not enough time for Skyland Harris to turning get the lead runner at first, so works almost as well as a sacrifice.

You're exactly right, it really does.

She didn't have to, but she moved her over to second daughter in scoring position.

You know, they're needing two runs right now to tie the ball game, but that definitely does the job.

But they always tell you to get one run at a time, but if there's anyone that can get you to, it is michaely guest as she swings at the first pitch guest leading the team in home runs this year comes into the day with 10 for the freshmen, and you know that she would love nothing more than to tie this game up with one swing.

You're exactly right.

It takes one swing to tie this game up at 10 home runs as a freshman.

I mean, wow.

No one.

Leaves it outside for ball one.

I'm going to be honest right here.

I think Edwards knows that she is a very powerful hitter.

I think she's going to try to pitch around or not give her something in her wheelhouse to really drive.

The Braxton Burnside unintentional intentional walk.

Oh yeah, most definitely.

Creekmoor loses it.

She is off and running, and Gracie Smith heads up baserunning.

She is safely into third.

You know that ball didn't get that far away from Creekmore, but Gracie Smith really had a great jump.

Read that behind Creekmore.

Really great baserunning right there.

Risky decision, but one that pays off is Tuckerman.

Now has a run just 60 feet away.

Guess knew that was a ball just kind of rolled her shoulder.

She stepped out.

We take another look at that throw down to first Smith.

Definitely in there safely.

Creekmoor heads out to the rubber to talk it over with Edwards.

I think right now, just like you said, it might not have to be a Homer, but if she can just put the ball in play and score Smith from third, we're talking a whole different ball game.

You saw during that break, Harrison Smith talking in between first and second as well, turning to notify everyone where the out the runner at 3rd, as important as it is for Tuckerman, it actually doesn't matter right now in the scope of the game.

Given that Mansfield has a two run lead, you're exactly right, but it is a game changer as they could tie it into just one run.

Here's the three one.

Ball forward against.

And Michaely guest works a big walk to put runners on the corner for Tuckerman.

And Matt Dillon is going to bring in a pinch hitter.

You know that's a really great job right there by guest really, really honing in on the moment, not begin.

Like I've said, making it bigger than what it is for them.

It's really just going to take it pitch by pitch.

They've really gotta stick to that concept instead of a pinch hitter.

It will be a courtesy runner Julie Glasgow running for the pitcher McCain Leagas Glasgow have seen 21 games you scored twenty runs coming in as a courtesy runner.

Reagan washing, standing into the plate in front of this.

This crowd of 694 here inside the Benton Schools Athletic complex that have come out to see the two a state softball championship washum swinging at the first pitch.

Allison Edwards facing her toughest spot of the game here with runners on first and third in the bottom of the six.

Only one out.

Glasco, often running, she is safe.

At second, the ball gets away.

And Smith is in to score.

And right there creekmore throws it down to care.

Thomas just can't stick with it.

I mean that is huge right there.

In while Smith dove into home safely heads up baserunning by Julie Glasgow as she is on to 3rd.

So now Tuckerman with the tying run just 60 feet away.

And you know, being a pinch runner, knowing your role, she just got out there and she did what she was supposed to do.

She fulfilled her dog.

Now if they can just get her 60 feet, there's a reason that Matt Dillon color, one of the best courtesy runners he's ever had during his time at Tuckerman.

Donnie Eveld taking a couple steps out of the dugout.

You see he's brought the defense and they're going to try and cut this run down at the plate.

I think it's a really good decision right here.

You've got a 3 two ball game you really don't want her to score here.

He's had the lead the entire game.

And this is where we talk about the experience of being in this stage.

Really kicks in.

This is the first ever state championship game for Tuckerman.

Mansfield hasn't played in one since 2012, and you can simulate it in some of the semifinals, but it's not quite like when you get to a state final know exactly right and you know, right here, I don't know if a ground ball is going to get the job done, but if she can hit it and get it into the outfield, I mean they're going to score run.

The outfield in as well, trying to potentially turn a double play at home, is the O2 that one lifted out to centerfield is shallow.

Not enough for Glasgow to make the break for home is that is Natalie Allison coming in and making the catch on what ended up being a very tough pop up with the infield being drawn so far in right.

That was a tough she tough place.

She had to run a pretty long way but that worked in Mansfield's favor.

They had them in for a reason so that if a short popup was hit they could they could make the throw to home if they're too deep.

They can't make that throw to home if she tags normal depth defense by the outflow that ball would have been a base hit.

As it is two outs, Lizzie Walker didn't miss that one by much as she feels it directly back into the screen.

So yeah, she was all over that pitch.

First pitch strike.

She was all over it.

Allison Edwards over 100 pinches here this afternoon.

That was number 103 for the freshman.

But you know this is nothing for her.

She's been pitching the entire season.

When you've already thrown 112 innings on the year, what's seven more right?

You're exactly right, especially the 7th 7th biggest of your high school career up to this point, the 01 Walker little foul ball going to get out of Clay Adams gave Chase.

I mean, right now we have a really good game.

Go in Dorian.

This is exactly what you want after having two years off from your last state championship game, you come out.

Fantastic game.

We knew it was going to be a pitchers duel between both of these two freshmen and it is 3/2 with Mansfield leading O2 in the bottom of the sixth.

Tried to get her on the rice ball but Walker lays off and I think a game like this with as tight as it is.

Whoever comes out on top, I think it makes it even that much sweeter because it's not a blowout.

The 1/2.

Walker back up the middle.

She is safe at 1st and Tuckerman has tide the game.

Edwards had been feeling her position so well so far this game, but Walker hit that one just too hard.

She got a glove on it, but not able to come up with the play and Walker comes through with a huge RBI.

That's a huge RBI right there.

And you know, just like we had been talking about, Edwards has been fielding her position the entire game.

Those are one of those ground balls that's a little tricky.

I think it's fun, a little bit kind of caught her off guard, and I mean the crowd is absolutely erupting, erupting.

Both of these communities about 2 hours away from venting, but they have made the trip to cheer on their team.

As we mentioned 694 fans here to watch this game is Tuckerman has tided up with two runs here in the bottom of the sixth inning and you know right now this inning everything has gone tuckermans way.

They've strung together some hits they've had a couple of errors defensively, Mansfield has so it's really going in their favor right now.

They're also the home team.

The softball is a game of runs and so far the Lady Bulldogs on one is Fortenberry swings at a strike to go off of your .2 Dory in this game is a game of inches as well aghbal going one way or the other just an inch away.

It you know could make a difference.

So right now Tucker minutes really going in their favor.

The old one from Edwards.

Pull the string on the off speed and gets Fortenberry leaning out in front right.

That's a great pitch.

We really haven't seen Edwards throw that many changeups this game, but.

Not a better time than now.

That was a great pitch throwing Fortenberry off.

Gutsy call by Donnie Eval the O2 to Fortenberry.

Answer String swinging for strike three.

Edwards set sport and air very down on stripes, but uckermann answers in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runs to tie this game at three and we are headed to the top of the 7th and the two a state final with a tight game.

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Complex and we have got ourselves a game here in the two a state final between Tuckerman Ann Mansfield as the Lady Bulldogs have time the game in the bottom of the six, three to three, and they will send out Kenzie Soda in their sophomore right hander to try and close this thing out.

And this is a move that's not entirely unexpected.

Sending from Matt Dillon, this has been a 12 punch between guests and sodden all year long, can sod and she is great.

She throws around the mid 50s.

She spins the ball very well, her curve would be her best pet.

She also throws a changeup.

Occasionally throws a lot of strikes, and that's what they're needing right now.

Is someone to come in really attack the hitters and throw a lot of strikes?

Sudden has been incredibly effective.

She's thrown at 44 2/3 innings.

Given up ten earned runs, 40 hits.

She's only walked five batters in her work this year.

51 strikeouts, 51 strikeouts.

To that minimum amount of walks, that is incredible.

He is not pitching a moment as big as this is.

The first pitch is ball one and she will be facing the top of the order for Mansfield Adams, Thomas Edwards.

The fourth time through the line at the Lady Tigers are going to try and look to get something going.

Rick down the line at 3rd.

Who?

Bill Fry has his arms up.

He says that ball was Fallon city.

You said this is a game of inches.

That ball was not found by much.

You are exactly right.

It is a game of inches.

And I mean that was a really close bill Fry.

He he had a close call right there almost got him too.

As a former third baseman, I'd be breathing a sigh of relief.

Sowden you know.

Change up.

You know, for Mansfield right now, they're you know, the top of the seventh inning again.

They're going to have to really hone in on not making the moment bigger than what it is.

Stringing together some basics.

Off speed again, Tapper back to Sowden at first, over to 1st in time for the out you know, and I said that soda and she throws a changeup occasionally.

We just saw it two times in that at bat and boy does she have a great changeup.

So, did you like the decision?

If she doesn't change a whole lot to throw it to these Mansfield hitters who've been so aggressive here this afternoon, so most definitely they have been extremely aggressive, so throwing that off speed to really keep them off balance, especially in this moment, it's perfect.

Keira Thomas swinging at strike one.

In Sydney to your point about the amount of strikes she throws, the Lady Tigers don't really have the luxury of waiting deep in the count because she's not going to throw them a lot of balls.

You're exactly right, and that's what they're going to have to do right now.

On the top of this spinning to try to get a rally going.

They're not going to be able to get behind in the count because she throws so many strikes.

And then she does have that great changeup that we've seen that she can throw and probably will throw Thomas quickly down.

Oh, into in the count after failing the last one back.

Looks at strike three on the outside corner.

Want to talk about coming in and a big time situation?

A big time inning and really getting the job done?

I don't think she has any nerves out there.

Cool is a cucumber is Kenzie Sowden as she picked up the second out of the inning via the strikeout.

The outer part of the plate.

Thomas knew it too.

But in steps, the freshman Allison Edwards, of course Edwards with the solo shot to lead off the top of the fifth inner elastic back, and this is a battle that you don't want to make a mistake do.

In the air, but it will stay on the infield and it is into the glove of Reagan washam as sodium comes in and sets down Mansfield 123.

The Lady Bulldogs fans are on their feet.

We will head to the bottom of the seventh inning with a tie game.

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To place your order that mmproductions.net and if you're going to have a copy, this is a great one to have a copy of, we're tide at three here in the bottom of the seventh of the two eight state final between Mansfield and Tuckerman as Anslee Dawson leads off the bottom of the seventh, swinging at the first pitch on the ground to short it is bubbled and Dawson is safe at first.

Dawson just did a great job coming up to bat, putting the ball in play.

You know, on this turf, you never know sometimes what you're going to get here.

Thomas making an air, but that is a huge moment for Dawson lead leadoff hitter getting on base and awesome doing her job.

Just putting the bat on the ball, letting something happen.

And that brings up Shanle Williams, the lefty slapper Bunter in a perfect position for her.

Shows bunt.

You're exactly right Dorian right now.

They just need one run to win the ball game.

So no better person, the Williams, to be up to bat.

Do what she does.

Best is a slapper.

Put the ball on the ground, you know, short game is her Forte so we'll see what she does here.

Oh, and one after offering at the first pitch.

Squares again that one high out of the zone for both two or ball one rather.

And if you're Edwards you're trying to keep the ball up in the zone, get Williams that pop that ball up.

Maybe you can get lucky.

Not one blowing away, Dawson will get to 2nd as the ball gets to the screen.

And right now, Williams with that ball, getting by creekmore.

It doesn't have to be done anymore.

I mean, maybe she does to advance her to 3rd and get on base, but this is a big moment right here for Williams and she has really had three good at bats.

Doesn't have any hits to show for it, but she has been competitive in the box offers at that one for strike number two.

Yeah, that pitch is down and out.

She knew it was a ball.

You could kind of see it in her body language.

You shouldn't have gone for it, but two and two count will see what damage she does.

The two two from Edwards.

Popped up Creekmore, calling for it.

Collision between Creekmore in Adams and it leaves third base unattended.

Anslee Dawson that heads up baserunning tags on the pop found and goes to 3rd as Brooklyn, Adams and Chloe Creekmore collide.

That is some great baserunning by Dawson.

You know, a lot of people they want to hone in on the offense and the defense of part, but baserunning is absolutely huge.

She just tagged at second base on a pop foul fly over on the third base side.

That is a huge moment, huge moment by her great baserunning, Mansfield head coach Donnie.

Event coming out to 3rd to check on third baseman Brooklyn Adams is she and Chloe Creekmore really with a hard collision.

You can see Adam shaken up there over at third.

Certainly hope that she's OK, right?

I think they were both just going at it.

I think Creekmore was calling ball.

Adams didn't really necessarily pill off, but yeah, I think she should get up a little bit right now.

And you know, there's also probably some emotions of what's going on in the game and the place that they're at, but I really can't say enough how great that was by Dawson.

Cannot hear it re irritate, reiterate it enough.

Creekmore and Adams, both in that moment, thinking solely about the out, which it's so easy in a moment like this, with such a magnitude of a game on the line to just get so focused in, but really also, I think it would have been prudent in that situation, to have Thomas you see that two converging for the ball someone has to pay attention to third base, and you have to know that someone needs to go cover, but as it is Tuckerman now, with the winning run.

Just 60 feet away, Donnie Evil gathering his infield, having him talk it over Sidney.

What in a situation like this?

You know both played in state titles?

I mean, what?

What words do you have as you try to settle your team in from such a big emotional place?

That's going to be a big emotional swing with what we saw just happened.

So you know that play.

It's a game changer, but I think right now, he's out on the pitchers mound.

He's telling them we've got a runner at third base 60 feet away from winning the state championship.

I think right here, he's really just.

I mean, the outfielders are gonna have to pull in because.

Anything had over their head.

They're going to win the ball game.

So defensively, you know, we've seen some errors.

They're not going to be able to have that happen.

And it is Kenzie Soden who came in in the top of the seventh set, Mansfield down in order.

She comes up to the plate now.

So does Ben on base twice with a walk and she will have the opportunity to get her team a state title.

Take that ball low and away.

Instead, we talk so much about the defense in this situation.

What about as a hitter?

It's really easy to get outside herself in this kind of situation.

It really is, and you know the crowd is loud there, you know, vivacious, so as a hitter, you can't really take that into consideration.

You gotta stay calm.

The 10.

And so then leaves it upstairs for ball to also Dorian.

You know the position that she's in right now as a hitter.

She's just gotta get her job done.

She knows what her role is right now.

You know, get something into the outfield hard base.

Hit through the infield.

Swinging at the two oh and she fouls it back.

Now I'm going to make one more point.

It's also as a hitter in this situation.

It's staying disciplined, can't really swing pitches out of the zone.

You've got to get that good pitch to really drive, make something happen.

I like the aggressiveness on the two.

Oh, but she's down or she's now 21.

From Edwards and it's in the left.

Tuckerman wins the two ways state championship.

A rocaf but Kenzie Sowden and they are piling on in the infield.

It is absolutely incredible with Sowden.

Just did an this Tuckerman team how exciting for them to win the two A state championship and what a better game.

I mean come on, it was a fight the entire game.

I think I see some tears on their faces.

There are tears on both side of this as you have the EXE Tuckerman.

The agony of Mansfield.

They're hugging it out over along the first base side line.

They know they were so close, but Tuckerman, what a fantastic comeback from them.

They were down three to one in the bottom of the sixth inning.

They scored two and Kenzie Sowden.

What a big moment for her.

With the RBI single to plate the game winning run absolutely huge moment and you know she came in as the picture to shut down the top of the seventh inning.

And then she comes up with the game on the line and gets the job done.

She didn't make the moment bigger than what it was.

Well it is a big moment as we will crown our 1st 2021 state softball champion, the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs.

When we come back, stick around, you are watching the Centennial State Softball championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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And here it is, Kenzie Sowden, stepping up to the plate line drive, left center field scoring Ainsley Dawson from third base and they win the state championship game.

That is a big time moment for Sowden.

How exciting for Tuckerman as she is mobbed by her teammates down the first baseline is.

Tuckerman wins their first ever state softball championship four to three over.

The Mansfield Lady tigers.

And the Lady Bulldogs standing and cheering on Mansfield.

And this was a fantastic game between two top seeds.

We knew it was going to be close coming into this one.

This game lived up to all of the expectations.

It most definitely did and like we talked about earlier, this is not.

This is the best game that you can possibly have.

Winning A state championship.

Whoever came out on top, which was Tuckerman.

It's so exciting because it was a fight to win.

Important to remember.

These are two very young team so the future looking bright for both of these programs is.

Tucker man rushes for the championship trophy.

The lady Bulldogs.

Capturing their first crown is Mackenzie Sowden, right in there in the middle.

In Sydney, is the emotions of a moment like this?

My gosh?

I mean I'm going to be honest, I've been here before with North Little Rock but you just there's nothing quite like it.

This is going to be a memory that they remember for the rest of their lives.

This is going to be a day that they look back on so much.

It's just such a highlight of their softball journey.

Kentucky men hadn't lost a game since April 15th.

Coming into today.

Those three to two to Cedar Ridge and coach Matt Dillon said that it was a wake up call and from that moment on, this team was singularly focused on winning a state title.

Today they accomplished their goal.

You're exactly right.

I'm sure he could not be more proud of his team in the way that they fought back to win this game.

It just means so much and it's going to mean so much to their community as well.

And we will talk about that hit by Kenzie Sowden about that game winning RBI.

But really the difference maker in this game was that six finished Tuckerman scored those two runs and no surprise here, the MVP of the two, a state final Mackenzie.

Sudden, no surprise.

We will be back with a recap of the two A state championship game, the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs, winning four to three over Mansfield, will have that on Arkansas PBS.

We're watching the Centennial State softball championships.

We'll be right back.

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Now the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs scored two in the sixth in a walkoff RBI by Kenzie.

So down in the bottom of the 7th to capture their first ever softball state Championship 4 to one over the Mansfield Lady Tigers Sydney part Dorian Craft with you at Benton Schools Athletic Complex in Sydney.

One away to crown our first softball state champion for the first time in over 2 years.

I mean over two years, softball has not been played.

A game like this.

This is how you want to start off the weekend.

OK the sixth inning was huge for them.

They came out.

They put the ball in play.

They made the defense work.

They did what they need to do.

They strung together hits and they made the game three to three and then, Oh my gosh Sowden, bottom of the seventh inning.

Absolutely incredible.

Stepping up in a huge moment should make it bigger than what it was on the other side of that.

Mansfield got a fantastic game for their phenomenal picture.

The freshman Edwards did about all that she could do today.

5 strikeouts, scattered a couple hits across seven innings, had the big home run, but a heartbreaking loss for her and the rest of the Lady Tigers, right?

She's absolutely a bulldog on the mound.

She is a workhorse.

For her team, she did phenomenal in the circle and she up at the plate.

I mean you hit a home, run in the state championship game and she's a freshman.

I can't reiterate that enough.

She has a long career with her team and she really played well.

There were other bright spots on the team as well.

It's a heartbreaker though.

Certainly a lot of bright spots, one of those being the freshman for Tuckerman Mckaley gist.

She went six innings.

Sowden came in to closeout the game, but it's important to remember that guests also only a freshman in this game, so.

A bright future ahead of her as well as the rest of this sacrament team almost definitely and guest out on the mound.

She really stuck to her approach in her plan, attacking those hitters and she really threw a great handful of some pitches.

She was dominant on the mound and then also at the plate.

She had some good at bats sacrament.

Of course, once again winning their first ever state championship four to three over the Mansfield Lady Tigers was the first time Mansfield has been back in the state title since 2012, so both of these teams really emerging back onto the state stage for the first time in awhile.

Or in Tuckerman's case for the first time in what?

A way to do it a walk off in the bottom of the seventh.

This game.

We knew it was going to be evenly matched in Sydney for you and we can talk about the game winning RBI by soda.

But what was the play of the game for you in this?

I think the play of the game for me was early on in the game.

There were some things that they did defensively that really made a difference, but honestly just sodens hit.

That is huge, but I'm going to talk about Dawson.

OK so she's on this what you're going to say.

She's on 2nd Williams pops the ball up to third.

She tags at 2nd and advances to 3rd.

That is a huge moment.

She's 60 feet away from winning a ball game.

For student to make that hit, so I give major props to her, baserunning, baserunning, huge, well.

What a fantastic way to start Championship weekend here at the Benton Schools Athletic Complex, the Tuckerman Lady Bulldogs capture their first state championship in program history with a walk off 4 three win over the Mansfield Lady Tigers that is going to do it for Sidney Pareyon myself, Dorian Craft.

Thank you for joining us for the two A state championship.

Don't forget baseball coming up right here on Arkansas PBS at 1:00 o'clock.

And we will be back with you later this evening for the five A state championship between Benton and Greenwood.