
AR PBS Sports 2023 Baseball State Championship - 4A
5/20/2023 | 1h 58m 43sVideo has Closed Captions
AR PBS Sports 2023 Baseball State Championship - 4A Ashdown vs. Lonoke
AR PBS Sports 2023 Baseball State Championship - 4A Ashdown vs. Lonoke
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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AR PBS Sports 2023 Baseball State Championship - 4A
5/20/2023 | 1h 58m 43sVideo has Closed Captions
AR PBS Sports 2023 Baseball State Championship - 4A Ashdown vs. Lonoke
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipIt is a gorgeous day.
Number two for the foray baseball championship between Lonoke and Ashdown.
I'm RJ Hawk along with Koudelka, Bob and Karl.
We had a great day one between the six eight game, the one eight game.
We had great softball games yesterday, but day two is going to be pretty impressive.
This should be a lot of fun and getting into this match up here.
RJ This has been the dream season for a Lone Oak, a team with just two losses.
Both those arc by a combined three runs to the two teams playing for the five championship tomorrow.
Little Rock, Christian and Valley View.
Meanwhile, this is a dream postseason run here for an ash down team that had not shown they're capable of doing it until they reached the playoffs.
Yeah, they've gotten hot at the right time right now.
Let's start with ash down this bracket on how they got to the state title game.
And really it all started with that.
Bye.
They got the bye.
They finished number two in their conference and then you move on in the bracket.
They beat Morrilton 6 to 1.
Then it took on Brooklyn.
Look at that game right there, 17 to 2 is really when they like I'm not gonna say they found themselves but they got a lot of confidence in this to get in this championship game they start to get hot offensively they finish second in their conference to Nashville and then when they beat Nashville 16 to 2 in the regional championship, I think it showed them that they can beat anybody in the state.
It gave them the confidence they can do it.
And we just talk to their 24 year old head coach, Austin Cross, who said, Listen, you give us one game against Lone Oak.
Who knows what can happen?
Well, and let's look at some of their power players because they've got impact players all over the field right now.
They're huge right there.
Yeah.
Nash Brown, a junior on a young ash down team.
He's in for 4541, hits 30 RBI 30 runs and look at him.
He plays middle linebacker for the football team.
I think almost every player on this baseball team plays on the football team.
They are some big old boys, as they say, down in south Arkansas.
That's kind of the fun thing about this level, isn't it, where you see a lot of the crossover, a lot of these guys that played together, that's a national team that's playing really, really well.
They played for the three AA championship a year ago.
They move up to class for A, they lose a ton of production.
They will probably be the first to admit until this postseason run.
They probably shouldn't have been here.
And yet here they are and they're confident.
Well, let's move on to the other side of the bracket with the lone oak jackrabbits.
They come in 28 and two on the year they started with that first round bye as well.
And then moving on.
They took on Prairie Grove, shut out Prairie Grove four to nothing in that ballgame.
And then they had a blowout victory in their semifinal game against Gravett, which they won 15 to 2.
And this is a talented lone team.
It's hard to find any weaknesses, to be honest on this team.
Their lineup has hit a combined 30 home runs and it starts with Steele Eaves.
He's back in clean up and he's going to be the starting pitcher today.
He is one of three future Razorbacks, by the way, all juniors.
And you see Steele Eaves 351 average six home runs, by the way, 12 and over 123 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched this season, a 0.73.
He's allowed one hit in his last 14 innings pitched, including a no hitter in the regional tourney.
And think about this only one hit in the last 14.
That's that's almost unheard of Yeah it's astounding numbers 123 strikeouts let me underscore that 123 strikeouts.
And again, the talent up and down this lineup, we're going to see not one, not two, but three future Razorbacks in this Lone Oak team.
And by the way, yes, Casey Martin has been in touch with them.
He has sent some good luck text to a few of these guys, certainly rooting on his high school alma mater.
Okay.
Let's go out and take a look at today's weather as both these coaches are exchanging scorecards And it's going to be like I a beautiful day, 77 degrees currently in Conway, Arkansas.
One mile an hour wind and humidity is at 66%.
Kyle, you and I were out there walking around on the turf just a moment ago, and it is just almost a perfect day in Conway.
It's absolutely great, even sometimes on that turf where it can feel a little bit warmer.
It is spectacular.
Just a perfect Friday morning.
We hope it will stay that way the rest of the day.
And that remains to be seen.
But for now, you can't drop a better day in Conway.
Well, we've got a great crowd on hand.
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Well, back here in Conway, as a lot is on the field, they will be the home team today.
Ashdown The visiting team Lono comes in 28 and two.
ASHDOWN 18 and 11.
And they starting Pitcher for Oak is going to be oh, they will be still eaves as we talked about in this one in in college you mentioned in the pre game he is a heck of a pitcher for this mono baseball team.
He had a no hitter in the regional tourney against Highland.
He had a perfect game until a throwing error with two outs in the seventh inning 67 pitches 13 strikeouts.
And coach Brian Eagle said, look, he's been doing this all his life.
He nearly had one for the history books there but he no hits them.
Eagle says quote, He is a dude.
That's why he was out there today when the money's on the line and he is out there today.
And by the way, that would have been his second perfect game.
He threw one against Pulaski Academy back in April.
Here's the first pitch to walk.
Jones is going to be in there and call the strike after the check swing.
And so it's going to go Walt Jones, Nash Brown and Caleb Blankenship for Ashdown to start this frame as that one goes up high and even the count up at one apiece, you see the way it explodes out of his arm.
He committed to Arkansas last July, just days after receiving the offer from pitching coach Matt Hobbs.
Boy, that is a nasty pitch right there at Swann and missed.
It's one and two, they said.
Ever since I've grown up, I've watched the Razorbacks that every Arkansas kid's dream is to eventually grow up and play their one two slot and mystery strikes him out.
And one thing, Kyle, that we see out of Steele Jones are still eaves.
He works really, really fast.
Yeah, he does.
And you know what I think helps when he's not pitching?
He's behind the plate, shutting down the opposing teams running game as a catcher.
And I think that has to help you as a pitcher to see the game from both ways.
And it has to only help have a sense for the tempo of a game.
Here's the first pitch to Nash Brown.
Nash Brown, as we talked about in the pre game, batting 445 with 30 RBI this year, playing first base today for Ashdown.
That one is up high to take the count too.
And Owen plays middle linebacker for the Ashdown football team, a junior this year.
Ashdown had a really good football team.
They've really had one good football team the last two years that swung on.
Boy, that is a nasty slider on the outside part of the plate and you're going to see a fastball from eaves that sits in the high eighties, maybe touching 9012 six curve.
And that slider comes back with a fastball and he pops it up off just in shallow center field, coming in to make two catches.
Tripp Sullivan and that'll be the second out of the inning.
And let's go ahead, take a look at that defensive lineman for the Jackrabbits, because in the outfield you've got Wyatt Repetto, Tripp Sullivan and Jackson Ingle over in right field on the infield, Will Paynes at third base, Cole Spears at Short Cutter, Culver's in second, Johnathan Lewis at first and Drake Aycock is behind the plate.
There is a curveball in there for a strike and you saw the defensive alignment.
Spears and Sullivan are the other two guys committed to play for Arkansas behind ease pitches outside and that'll even count at one apiece.
All juniors by the way.
I mean, how neat is that to play together and have one more crack at this in high school?
That one's up top and that'll take account two and one.
You know, Caleb Blankenship is today's catcher.
He's at the plate right now.
He's a nationally ranked long snapper.
Coach said that if you know he's a catcher, but if he could long snap at the second base, he might get there faster than if he throws it.
I would love to see that at some point today.
Let's flip around.
Let's send it out there.
I wish you were sort of doing that pregame and that is swung on to take the count at two apiece.
And you got to think that if you're Ashdown, you know, seeing a guy like Eves, those first few at bats, you're just trying to see what he's got because they've not seen him this year.
That's right.
These two teams did not play and that one swung on him and strikes him out.
And that's going to take out Ashdown one, two, three.
In the top of the first inning scoreless ballgame in the Florida state championship game.
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Well, back here in Conway as well, Jones is going to be the pitcher for Ashdown, and he comes in after throwing 48 innings this year.
He's got a 2.10 era with 46 strikeouts.
And he is the starting pitcher for the Ashdown Panthers in Jackson, Engle, Drake, Aycock and Cutter Culver are going to lead things off for low note to start their first inning.
Jackson Engle has an offer from UCLA this year as he'll be playing right field and he'll take a first pitch strike While Jones is the guy they turn to in the quarterfinal game against Morrilton oh one swung on out to short and he's not able to bring that one in just went right between his legs and so Jaxon Ingle will be on the bags with an error by the shortstop.
Well, you hate to see any nerves at play.
You know, sort of the advantage to playing on turf here.
And we did talk to coach Austin Cross if you guys played on turf at all this season and he said they have done so in a few games.
I'll ask the same question by the way, to Lone Oak and same answer.
But they have practiced leading up to this one at Cabot.
So now Drake Aycock is at the plate as he'll take a ball low and outside to start.
Aycock is the catcher today for Lone Oak.
He's committed to play baseball at SMU Tech next year.
He's really one of the top catchers in the 2023 class, batting 341 with 22 RBI this year.
He does have three home runs.
To his credit, he got a two count with a runner at first base.
I was able to find the knees and bring it to two on one.
Were you surprised Ashdown has never won a baseball championship?
A little bit, yeah.
Whenever we were talking with with Coach Cross, yeah.
You know, I mean, for his as rich of an athletic history as they've got at Ashdown.
Yes it's a little bit so a little bit shocked at 32 playoff appearances eight semifinal appearances it's their fifth finals appearance and we mentioned they were in at last year's a38 school.
They move up this season to Foray.
This would be the first for Ashdown in baseball.
There's a fastball that misses outside and takes the count to three and one.
Meanwhile, for Lone Oak, they have not won one since 1969.
And think about this in 2022 for Lono, they set the record for most wins in a season 17.
They lost in the quarterfinals.
If you remember that year, that was the Casey Martin year when everybody thought they were going to be part of one of the better teams in the state.
And they lost in the quarterfinals that year.
And then in 2011, they made it to the finals and lost to Schuyler Hoover.
Kind of fun when you got that.
A lot of Lone Oak football games the last couple seasons, and you see some of those big heads in the student section still of Casey Martin.
He's just going to be alone.
Yeah, just what a big part of the Jack Rabbit identity he is.
Here's a hit by a back or a hit by pitch that hit him off the top of the heads.
And how quickly one goes with bases loaded here in the first inning, it's safe to say, not the start that Ashdown wanted here right off the back of the helmet there.
Ouch.
So now that brings up still leaves the pitcher in the cleanup hitter batting 351 with 37 RBI.
He's got six home runs this year and eight doubles.
By the way, in addition to all the pitching statistics that we've talked about, he hit a grand slam in the semifinal game against grabbing a chance to do it again here with nobody out in the bottom of the first.
There's Coach Cross for Ashtown out there talking to his pitcher.
But worth repeating 24 year old just got done playing college baseball at Henderson State 24.
And it looks like looks like he could be batting third.
Yeah.
When you and I went out and talked to him.
I mean, the guy is very charismatic.
He is he he doesn't take it too serious but knows the importance of the moment.
And he was pretty honest.
You know, he sort of joked with us and said, hey, you give this one game, anything can happen.
A series who knows is a curve.
It's driven to left field and it's pull him by the left fielder Grayson Porter for the out but that will score a run for one of the first pitch swinging to bring in Jackson Ingle who reached base on the air pulls so it's an RBI and sac fly for Steve leaves that gives him 38 RBI on the year and now Cole Spears comes to the plate with a 429 average and 40 RBI.
Get this.
So his slugging percentage 957 Yeah, the statistics up and down this lone Oak lineup are just some of them.
You make your eyes wide ten home runs to lead the team committed to Arkansas since his freshman season, so he has been committed to the Razorbacks and Dave Van Horn for two years now pitches low and then takes the counts to honor.
You may see him pitch at some point today as well.
Ed Trip Sullivan Yeah, there's a big curveball that is going to be called a strike.
Very rarely do you see high school baseball teams, you know, really have three SCC level players committed to the on the same team.
Yeah, no question especially in a town the size of LoDo.
Yeah.
And for ash down here RJ you know you and I saw in the Taylor game yesterday Taylor was heavily favored.
You know they let their underdog opponent kind of hang around a little bit.
It was a closer game than we thought.
If you're Ashton, you just don't want to get this out of hand here.
It's good pitch much needed.
That was a great pitch as well.
He waited on as long as he could and wasn't able to connect.
And that's a strikeout.
And there's two outs down here in the inning.
You're basically going to lose this swing.
That is a great I mean, this came with the Offspeed pitch and was able to set him down.
So now Jonathan Lewis, he'll be at the plate.
He's playing first base today, batting 365 with 23 RBI.
He's committed to go play at the you have a mountain home.
So many good college baseball programs around the state.
That's one of the fastballs governments loan away and takes count to one and one.
This whole weekend in part is kind of a reminder of just how stellar the talent is across the state in baseball, there's a swing and there's let's quickly look at that defensive lineman for Ashdown.
And there it is, Porter Walton, Washington in the outfield and you've got Hilton Garrett, Alton Baumann second Brown at first Blankenship behind them out and Walt Jones on the mound and that's swung on and lifted high on the infield first baseman comes over that's brown and they record the out and get out of the inning so we'll know does score one run They don't get a base hit in the inning and we head to the top of the second inning and you're watching the Centennial Bank State Baseball Championships in Arkansas, PBS Sports and can you see her greatness when you attend her games, when you cheer her on or when you participate in any way you support your community and make it better and you will see her greatness.
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One, two, three.
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456 centers are due out for Ashdown here in the second inning.
It'll be Derek Hilton, Grayson Porter and Braden Walton, the four or five six hitters.
And there's a good look right there of Derek Hilton.
Derek, as he'll be making his way to the plate bats for 80 on the year Blaine third base today for the Panthers Hilton before the game by the way is the lone senior on this team was in a cap and gown for a quick little graduation ceremony.
You know that's one thing that I've always really liked about, you know, as a former baseball player, being able to have your graduation ceremony on the field at the state championship here is a swing and a miss.
I think we can show it to you how neat that ceremony is before the game.
It's that it's pretty cool.
After this at bat, we'll show his parents walking him out as there's a curve ball outside to go two and one.
Let's take a look at his parents bringing him out real quick.
There he is right there.
Was able to have the ceremony and that is just a really cool moment to have it right here at the state championship game.
And that's called strike on the outside corner years from now at that high school graduation, talking about soccer, high school reunion, I should say, talking about graduation.
I always remember that one.
There's the strike down of Derek Hilton.
That is now the third strikeout for Still Eaves.
And that's the first out in the inning left fielder Grayson Porter.
So Grayson Porter on the left, Fielder's do.
Up next, he's a junior batting 310 that movement on that slider on the outside corner.
Well this one's lifted right field coming over single and he'll make the catch right at the foul line And there's quickly two outs here in the second.
He's is retired now the first five batters he faced three by strikeout.
So now Braden Walton the center fielder will be up he batting 332 on the season only a sophomore pitches up high and he'll start off one two No Walton is a track and football player for Ashdown as well as baseball three sport athlete swings at that slider on the inside part of the plate is now one and one and plays wide receiver.
He's drawing some D-1 interest.
He's also second in the state in the 400 meters that's going to hit him So hit that the guy you want on base there with that speed.
No And that's the first runner for Ashdown in the bag so far in this game.
Take a look here and actually bounced off the turf and hitting it did right field at least in Washington.
So now Mason Washington the right fielders in he's a sophomore batting for 12 this year he's the he's the tight end for the football team There's a fastball that misses outside and it's one to no just a sophomore.
I mean you know we saw Hilton The fact that he was the only one to graduate tells you he's the only senior on this team.
Puts just how improbable this postseason run is for Ashdown.
Still like a lot of the time, if you get hot in the postseason, it's because you've got sort of that group of seniors that's played a long time.
It comes together.
Not the case for Ashdown to pitch on the way Fastball is going to be in there.
Call the strike cutter Alton Bomber is on deck as I throw over to first base and all that.
Dave You couldn't even wait to take that one.
I've been what I've been waiting to say.
Alton Bomber I'm not going to lie.
Here's another throwback.
I think that Gunner Alton Bomber probably needs to go on the all name team for this tournament.
It's up there.
It's a top three seed.
Yes, one 100%, as that's called.
A strike on the outside corner, Mason, Washington at the plate.
And I'm a two to count with a runner on.
There's two outs here in the second and he swings and strikes him out.
That's the fourth strikeout of the ballgame for stealing moves.
And four batters come to the plate.
One gets on and the rest gets sent back to the dugout.
We head to the bottom of the second inning where Lowell bleeds one about thing and you're watching the Centennial Bank State baseball Championships on Arkansas.
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We go to start where we go here in the bottom of the second inning.
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So when things off is Wyatt Repetto, he'll be followed by Will Bill Belford and Tripp Sullivan for Lono gets the 789 hitters do up.
There's a big curve ball that misses what Jones really settled in.
RJ He e6 a walk, a hit batter.
And that one goes on.
It walks Repetto, just as I say that.
But to his credit, he gets out of the inning, allowing just one run.
When the bases were loaded and I think had to feel like he was really a hitter settling in that was really close to hitting him right there.
And so now Will Belford is going to come to the plate.
He's the D.H. today bats to 17 with ten RBI and he's batting in the eight hole number first pitches up high and we call the ball one of two pitches swung and missed Dimension Ashdown got it there.
Battles against Nashville this year and beating them 16 two beating the scrappers 16 two gave them confidence.
You think about that conference that's seven for A They finished second in Nashville, but there was some great baseball in that conference.
Throw over the first and repeat as able to get back you know Repetto I didn't mention he's also an all state basketball player.
There's a pitch that's at the letters and it's called a strike text down to one and two.
Here's the one of swung on runner goes they're going to throw down they don't quite get to him so it'll be a stolen base for Repetto and a strikeout to play to Bedford So they're building a trip.
So.
So now this trip Sullivan's going to be at the plate or had a chance here.
Yeah.
Good Jump.
Boy, he almost when he looked in, he kind of slowed himself down.
So now Trip Sullivan, who we've talked about, is also a U of a commitment batting 308 with 23 RBI this year put down a ball that'll advance the runner and he can't go.
He can't do anything with it.
Infield base hit for Trip Sullivan and that old bad repetitive third base line perfectly executed right fielder Jackson Eagle.
So now back to the top the line up with Jackson Engle See Hilton there.
Just tough to even get it out of your glove and Sullivan with the speed down the first base line, nothing he could do That's perfect.
Playing a little bit small ball and so angle who got on back in the first because of an error of the shortstop is up That's a big swing at that first one and that's there's a ball it's slap in the hole.
Another error by the shortstop that'll score a run for an Lonoke.
So that will advance Tripp Sullivan to second base.
Jackson angle will be at first because another e of the shortstop take another look here.
Well, just tough hop off the chest.
They're kind of came up on him, I think.
But good base running there from Repetto not slowing down around third.
Now Drake Aycock is at the plate is today's catcher and he'll give that one a ride to center field makes the catch for the second out.
The throw over to third is not in time.
So there's two outs here in the second inning.
And now Cutter Culver is going to come to the plate and his runners at first and third.
So good base running team Lone out trip Sullivan, by the way remember got on with that bunt the power lineup and we're seeing some small ball out of Lono so Cutter Cutter Culver was hit by a pitch back in the first inning, and he'll step back in with runners at first and second.
So Joe Gardner, Right?
Yeah, I said first and second, I at second and third Angle was able to advance and there's a foul back.
And here's a look at Brian Eagle, the head coach for Lone Oak, said It's been a pleasure coaching all this talent on this team, talking to him before the ball game.
So it's just fun to be able to see these guys play night in and night out.
Yeah, he wasn't the coach when Casey Martin was there, but certainly as established a rapport, as you mentioned, some of his guys have gotten good luck.
Texas and it's a strikeout and that'll in the inning.
So that is the third strikeout for Walt Jones and it will retire Cutter Colbert.
And as we end the second inning, Lone Oak leads a two to nothing.
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We'll go back to Conway.
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And we start the third inning as here's Alton Baumer with the hit to short long throw and he makes see out here in the top of the third inning Cole Spears with the throw and now Leland Garrett is going to be at the plate.
Good thing you got to say Alabama, once you have a chance soon.
Leland Garrett here's a look at the throw and spears there.
The rifle of an arm, right?
I don't even know what happened right there.
He stepped out of the box and then kind of stepped back in and swung.
Yeah, It's like time was not granted.
And he knew that pitch was coming and he had no choice but to get back in now and swarm fire right to the third baseman and he'll throw it across for the second out five three on the put out and it's two outs here in the third wall.
Jones Up next took it off the hop that time and sure did We've seen some strong arms in the infield from lone oak.
And how about ease by the way who has now worked his way one through nine through this lineup and just one guy reach base on a hit by pitch that bounced up and hit the batter.
I'm not sure it gets too much easier your second time seeing now.
I don't think you're he's just got so many pitches that that can throw you off between the slider the curveball fastball and changeup what makes him so dominant.
I know there's a fastball right there called a strike.
Well, you can see what Matt Hobbs sees in him.
There's a reason he offered him last July.
Swann now stands now two and two.
That's a move.
But they're late.
Break and now they're swinging the mouse and quick work of the third inning as Walt Jones goes down and four steel leaves.
He now has five strikeouts in the in the ballgame.
And we head to the bottom of the third inning where a lone ugly that two to nothing.
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Well, Arkansas PBS all star is Drake a car you see right there at a lone oak.
He's the catcher in today's game with GPA of 3.7.
How about that kid is a heck of a player is leading things off is going to be steel eaves for lone oak and he'll start off with an old one count.
Right?
Not bad to be the pitcher and the cleanup hitter for your team.
Yeah.
Yeah.
He's kind of a do it all everything already has an RBI in this game.
Had a SAC fly back in the first inning.
You know the winds don't mean anything for a pitcher.
We know that 12 and oh means something.
Yeah.
Yeah, I would say so here's the one two that's going to be swallowed and lifted into the centerfield.
Right.
Centerfield that is.
And the right fielder comes in to get it.
That's Mason Washington.
That's the first out.
And here in the third, that's the first time Cole Jones has gotten the first out on the first battery face in the inning.
He's kind of been in trouble in each of the first two.
So now Cole Spears will be up.
He struck out back in the first inning.
Monarch is stranded two men in each of the first two innings.
A curveball.
This is high.
It's down to UNO, just barely missing.
That's lifted, fouled on the right field side to take the count to two and one goal.
Spears ten home runs leads the team.
We may see him or trip Sullivan pitch later.
Spears came in on relief in the fifth on Monday with a fastball hitting 88.
There's a fastball on the outside corner.
Take two, count to two and two.
How about a 588 on base percentage, a 957 slugging?
That's pretty impressive.
That's Swann.
Over half the time he's gotten on bases 60% of the time.
Yeah.
Our math is incredible.
Really is what the math major here.
You see ABC, you won't see us as the Academic All-Stars.
No tattoos.
Count one out here in the third.
And that swung on and Miss Big Pitch that time by Walt Jones.
And that's now the second time Cole Spears has struck out this ballgame.
And now Jonathan Lewis comes to the plate at four straight retired for Jones.
Look at the movement on this pitch.
Yeah that's a that is a good good pitch right there and set spears down for the second time.
And now Lewis comes to the plate and other curveball in there.
He's making the curveball look really easy so far in this one.
And when it's working, keep going with it.
Oh fastballs quickly the whole low and to I think he's doing a really good job of you know, using his pitches, working speed in working the offspeed out and really keep a low no call off balance and once pound out of play.
I think that's a good point, R.J. And you know and while Jones defense to the defense behind him is has put him in a couple holes a couple tricky spots.
Fastball miss is outside and is now one in two.
But this is the first inning where he's been ahead in the count in every batter.
And he retired.
The first batter faced curveball.
This is low curveball top boy low Jones thought he had.
He sure did.
Look at this boy that is really close.
And Blankenship really didn't have to move much to frame it either.
Here's the full count has swung boy by five and goes with back to back strikeouts.
So 1 to 3 goes one.
Okay.
In the third head to the fourth inning.
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Let me take you for a ride on the baseline.
Let's go back here in Conway.
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Nash Brown and Kayla Blankenship Shipp, the one two hitters coming up next for Ashdown.
He'll be followed by Derek Hilton.
It's the two, three, four hitters due up here in the inning.
But both these pitchers, R.J., each with five strikeouts, no, we're at the top of the fourth inning as Nash Brown is going to show button.
It hits him, but he is I guess he I thought he had the bat out there.
That's what he is saying.
Here's a replay of it.
He never pulled Well, he kind of pulled back, I don't know, sort of runs into it.
Yeah.
Coach Eagles out there talking to him.
And I don't blame him or even for sort of shaking his head.
Can you hear the crowd So hit five pitches Browns on with a hit by pitch Yeah two hit by pitches both of which you put a little asterisks next to.
So now that brings up Caleb Blankenship to the plate.
He struck out back in the first inning to call the ball up top.
Here's a hit to left field for a base hit, and that is the first base hit of the ballgame for Ashdown.
So two runners on now first time we've seen these allow a runner in scoring position first base hit of the game for Ashdown.
So now that brings up Derek Hilton who struck out back in the third inning again that's that's their coach Looks like he could be out there at second base.
Yeah and you know right now and so this is by far the best inning for Ashdown starting off with two runners on got their base hit Now you got a little bit of life in this Ashdown team that swung and fouled off it based on the way Eves has looked so far in this game.
You've got to take advantage of your chances when they're presented in front of you outside that time to even the count at One a piece by Aycock there to stop that runners are at first and second for Ashdown there's a ball that's hit the right field and it will go fair, but it's caught on the throw to third base.
He's in there safely.
So there's one out here, the fourth inning now you've got runners at first and third.
A long way to run in this ballpark.
Plenty of foul territory room, as we mentioned a few times yesterday.
And you see the tag here.
But pretty good throw to get over there from that far into right field.
And Ashdown now threatening for the first time in this game.
So now Grayson Porter's at the plate now set the bar for a first and third.
They're actually at second and third because Blankenship on the throw, he advanced to second base.
And so you've got runners at second and third with Porter at the plate and he got hit.
So now bases are loaded.
Oh, you saw how fired up Porter is.
So now you've got Brayton Walden at the plate who was hit by a pitch back in the second inning, mentioned this whole Ashdown team plays football together and his reaction, like he just laid a big hit himself on the football field.
The way he jumps up and reacts, only one out here in the fourth inning bases are loaded for the Panthers.
That squad popped up into center field.
It's going to make the catch and here comes the throw.
Nobody's going to run.
But in hold, the runner at third base.
That is a big play right there.
To be able to make the catch and hold the runner at third.
That is huge.
We've seen a good base running from both these teams in this game.
Suddenly two down.
Well, what a throw for Sullivan.
Yeah.
Tripp Sullivan, you talked about I saw him warming up during Deering Pre game and he was standing on the third base foul line and playing long toss.
And his partner was at the center field fence and he was one happening to the centerfield fence.
We mentioned his pitching statistics, too.
That's a center fielder with an arm.
So now you've got Mason Washington at the plate.
Washington struck out in the second inning.
There's a fastball, even the count at one apiece ends up high.
We go to two, brings the count, the two and one up high stands the count to three and one.
There's a look at the pitch boy.
And Washington better be careful because he kind of threw that.
He threw his elbow out there.
Try to get it now.
Here's a hit home to third and they get the out so low no gets out of the inning as down got bases loaded couldn't do anything with it It's a53 on the put out and we head to the bottom of the fourth inning with low no cleaning to nothing.
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One, two, three.
Oh oh.
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So in the fourth inning, these 789 hitters are due out for a loan out.
You've got Repetto, Belford and Sullivan back in the third leg went down 1 to 3.
So we'll see what they do here in the fourth.
There's a swing and a foul off to Repetto with back to back strikeouts.
How about Lono getting out of that jam bases loaded And if you're Ashdown gosh, you hope you're not looking back at that at the end of the game either.
Curveball it hits the turf one and one Jones is really look at he struck out three of the last four batters faced as one is lifted to left center field coming in as a center fielder wells and then he'll record the first out here in the fourth at five check that six batters retired in a row.
You know we've talked so much about how good still eaves has been this game.
Walter Jones, outside of those two runs, I mean, they were because of errors.
He's pitched really well and he's got five strikeouts to he's he has gone toe to toe with each and every swing and a miss.
It's kind of fun, the fact that it's the first time these two teams are playing to this season.
Here's the oh, two curveballs up high.
It allows for a little bit more gamesmanship.
There's a foul off on the right field side.
You know, one thing we know, you were we were talking about Alton Baumer and the all name team.
I'm thinking Walt Jones may go on the all hair team.
It's flowing.
I mean, look at that hair that is a main right there as a curve ball outside.
And we saw Harber with all the blocks.
We saw Harber with all that bleached hair.
Yeah.
Yesterday I'll play this bleached because that's all natural.
I think it is.
As swung and caught by the first baseman.
Two outs here, the fourth pillar, Tripp Sullivan.
So now Tripp Sullivan comes up here.
That infield base hit back in the second inning.
Got the lay down the bunt, was able to run it out and get the get the hit.
And you talk about kind of a a Tulsa player.
We've seen the speed down the first we've seen the throw from center hits for average hits for power.
Two pitches on the way fastball Anthony calling strike and here's the two one that swung and missed two of two trips got the Bryce Harper high block going to Yeah it's like it more I wouldn't say I blog it's more like cheek cheek black it's always a fastball and this is inside what ball Jones thought he had him.
That's like face paint.
Yeah.
Three to the count.
Here's the pitch.
That's why I'm fouled on the play.
Hey, don't forget today that we've got action going on at the U.S.A. all day long today.
We've got baseball going on now.
That'll be two softball games tonight.
We'll have more baseball on yesterday where we went.
Baseball, baseball, softball, softball as he walks him.
But that man's good at Riverside, the two way softball game.
That'll be coming up next here on Arkansas, PBS Sports and the baseball game tonight, Palestine Wheatley in Woodlawn, a dominant, dominant program of those Woodlawn Bears.
Hopefully the the weather holds off.
Yeah, we will see.
And by the way we the reason we're doing softball in the middle U.S.A. baseball teams home.
Yeah.
We're working around play today.
Yeah.
So now the plate is back to the top lineup Is Jackson Ingles back at the top of the line up with Tripp Sullivan at first base.
Some real coordination from a lot of different parties to make this weekend happen Can't pick a better spot here but the triple U.S.A.
Athletics a lot of different teams coming together is a fastball up high not to mention, as you and I talked about yesterday, RJ, try to work around so many graduation ceremonies.
Yeah, I think they said, what, 22 graduation ceremonies throughout the state tournament.
They were trying to work around and accommodate.
It's a puzzle.
Here's the one that swung on and found down the left field.
Sign and I walked broke.
A streak of seven straight batters retired by Jones.
You got to feel really good if you get to the fifth and you've allowed two jackrabbit runs, here's the one one fastball outside runner goes there throw down and take it to a stolen base.
Four trips all the has just a lot of speed from first base right there Got a good jump and just the throw wasn't there and Jackson angles at the plate with the two one count but back to the tools of trip there now Swann left to the right field going back it's gone A two run shot by Jackson Ingle.
It's his fourth homer of the year, home run, number 31 for this power hitting jackrabbits line up and off the wall.
JONES You pitch so, so well, one out away from getting out of the inning a two out two run shot.
I mean and that ball was up and he was just able to turn on it and said to right field pulls it to right at the shot.
So now Drake Aycock is going to be at the plate and he swings that first pitch you know and for lone oak to threaten in the first second you leave two runners on two and each of those frames kind of missing that big hit.
He could get it with two outs here.
Curveball misses Low counts, one and one fouled off down the right field side to take count to one and two first home run.
We've in these baseball championships.
Yeah, that was a deep one.
Do a cliche to say a two out walk could come back to bite you but that's exactly happened here.
All right.
And that's a curve ball outside to take the count to three and two so far.
Wall Jones three in two thirds innings pitched and he's pitched 76 total pitches so far with five strikeouts is that one was fouled off and swung on walked the center field caught for the out so low notes they scored two runs in the inning thanks to a big home run by Jackson Engle lead it four to nothing.
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Well, how do we get to this point of pointing out that while in the first inning Gore alone Oak it started with a sac fly that went to left field by Steele Eaves to get the scoring going, and then in the second inning, a couple of errors in field hits that brought in wide Repetto to score.
And then in the fourth inning, you see the big fly ball, the home run ball.
There it is, boom.
And he sends it to right field.
It's four to nothing lone oak as they lead this ballgame, we head to the top of the fifth inning and this one is still eaves and still on the mound for the lone oak jackrabbits.
For Ashdown.
They're going to bring their 891 hitter to the plate leading off with Gunnar Ault and bomber those inside for Ball one for nothing zero score top of the fifth inning.
I want to slap ball down the right field side and it's now one and one they are such a power hitting team Roanoke you had a sense we would see it at some point today it's a hard lineup to get through.
Here's the one one fastball outside.
It's now two and one.
But, you know, Walt Jones has done a good job getting through it out his last inning.
Yeah.
Mentioned he retired seven straight.
That's what it means to take the count to two and to two out walk and he was shaking his head and then the damage done Here's the two two had swung Mills came with a slider that time and another strikeout for still leaves and so now Leland Garrett comes to the plate strike out number six on the day, tossed two hits so far away from the plate there fastball catches the outside corner.
Leland Garrett back in the third inning, grounded out to third base.
And so eaves by the way, one key away from 130.
Here's a swing and a miss so quickly Garretson an No.
Two home curveball there strikeout one 3120 Let's go and take a look at the dimensions of the field here, U.S.A. For those that were wondering.
And down the left field side it goes 330 to the wall, 400 to center.
And in the right field it's 330.
So that ball that was hit to right field just a moment ago, that one about probably 350.
Yeah.
Three 4350 I think it landed about where some of those chairs were set up out there in right field.
I'm going to guess they're 5 to 10 feet beyond the wall.
Now, here's one and sit back up the box.
Spears, gloves, it throws it over.
They go, one, two, three, six, three.
On the put out and so long arms coming back to the plate as they lead it, four to nothing.
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Pretty good story unraveling here, RJ between Ashdown and Lone Oak.
Yeah, it really is.
And this is this has been a really good matchup between these two teams and a new pitcher, by the way.
Grayson Porter for Ashdown.
Yeah, the final line for Walt Jones, four innings pitched, three hits, four runs, three walks, five strikeouts pitched really well Yeah, for a few stretches, battled around some defensive miscues behind him the Jackrabbits had a streak where he retired seven straight Grayson Porter, now on the mound.
So Grayson Porter was in left field.
NELSON Walt Jones out to left field.
Now, the first pitch to him is going to be a ball.
That's the cutter Culver, who is in the in the box now for Lone Oak.
Grayson Porter 28.2 innings of work this year with 42 strikeouts as the second pitch is called.
The ball Curveball and they're called a strike only think about the future for Walt Jones.
We saw him swung on out to first base, easily gloved and taken by the third baseman Nash Brown.
And that's one out here in the fifth.
Saw him to end that frame walk into the dugout.
RJ Just sort of look stunned, kind of disappointed, but I think a lot to be proud of for Jones and the thing to remember with him, he's just a sophomore.
There's a strike on the outside corner of the plate had swung on its own to looking into fastball hits the dirt and I'll take the count to one and do still leaves over two in this game does have the RBI the first here's the one two and is popped up in the right field.
Mason Washington comes over and makes the catch for the second out.
Spears So now Cole Spears will come to the plate.
He struck out twice today.
Fastball misses outside one of those on the way check swing and he did go Here it is right there.
Yeah, he came through the zone.
He kind of knew that he went through when he did it.
There's a called strike is is now wanted to if Spears is able to get on Johnathan Lewis will be up next at swarm is three strikeouts today for Cole Spears and that's going to retire the side for lone oak.
So we head to the sixth inning where Lonzo bleeds it for another nothing.
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His legacy.
Yeah, let's make it happen, man.
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I cannot stress enough how hot it is.
That's beautiful.
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Always a good time to be able to go back and relive these ball games throughout the state championships.
You know what was crazy was the other day I was up in Jonesborough and a guy came up to me.
Romance as your voice sounds familiar and says, Yeah.
He goes, I think you called my state championship basketball game ten years ago.
Whenever I was with Cedar Ridge, I was like, Wow, that makes me feel really old, but sounds good.
I hear you like a lot of stories I've done and people come up to me and go, Yeah, you remember a year that was like, Oh boy, Yeah.
Now that's it's kind of crazy.
As Nash Brown Fresh Town is going to lead things off.
He starts off with I one can be a little kid who's now in high school or something was the has that story so it's a11 count to Nash Brown one twos the count for Nash Brown Slaughter misses outside alone lot the team the plethora of pitching that's just just so hard to find a weakness of this Jackrabbits team but it is not a stunner to see them stick with these swing on and throw down to first and collect the out eight strikeouts.
If you're to look like a Jew, it's not the plate.
You've got Caleb Blankenship.
Blankenship swings at the first pitch.
It's own one.
And here's the other one pitch.
Curveball swung on its own too quickly.
Look at these fans in the stands.
Doesn't it always feel like this time of the year they've got water bottles, fans, anything you could do to try to hit with a fastball?
Piped it down the middle.
It's two quick strikeouts.
And so now Derek Hilton, come to the plate First look at a strikeout.
I mean, he just pumped the fastball in there that time.
Nothing you could do.
Hilton's at the plate.
He's open to he sees a curveball in there and it's own one he got frame that will last ball misses away.
Well, I tell you what, still Eaves does not mess around, does he?
I mean, he he doesn't waste any time when he's on the mound and know he gets the ball and he's ready to go.
He is a broadcasters pitcher.
Yeah, no joke.
Here's the two one fastball.
Swan left it to right field and there is angle to make the catch in.
One, two, three goes Ashdown.
In the sixth inning we head to the bottom of the sixth inning for nothing.
Luongo believes it.
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Let me take you for a ride on the big slide.
Let's go.
So a lot of folks have been asking on the Arkansas PBS Twitter and they ask why the number 24 on the back of the astronaut hats.
And so all the he was a teammate C.J.
Harris junior for Ashdown passed away earlier this year.
And so in remembrance of him, every player on the Ash jump team has that number 24 on the back of the hats and helmets and really thing that they do over at Ashdown.
Yeah, nice gesture.
Well we head down to the bottom of the sixth inning and is going to be at the plate as they'll send Grayson Parker, Braeden Walton and Mason Mason Washington to the plate for nothing.
Lono, Glades, Ashdown And we're going to start Parker off with no one down.
Excuse me, I said Parker, I meant Jonathan Lewis, Repetto and Belford.
And I looked at the wrong sheet there for a minute.
So it's one and one.
Two.
Lewis.
Lewis On the day is over.
3042.
Excuse me.
Oh, you're Ashdown.
You got a whole load of scoring this year.
You got to keep it within reach.
Give yourself a chance at the top of the seventh for is doable.
They have threatened at times in this game, but if he's remained out there on and he's just been cruising they had that one inning and that's really it right fielder Why not?
Okay so now why Pedro the left fielder comes to the plate.
He walked back in the second inning, then fly to center field in the fourth.
He's first pitch bounces Nice scoop that time by Blankenship.
So two owns the count Now Porter has the locks going as well, doesn't it?
And I think that's starting to become a thing.
You know, we talked about Mollet yesterday.
He did.
And I told you that was a thing.
But I think it's just a longer hair and Ashdown let it go.
So what else is said to be too bright?
Here's a curve ball low and it's now no.
Three.
No pitch is outside.
Grayson Porter's having a hard time finding a strike zone.
That's kind of what you could at least afford here.
For Ashdown, back to back walks and letting a low dog expand the lead.
And Coach Crawford is going to make his way out to talk with his pitcher.
And you go back to back walks that and and you know, he went one, two, three in the fifth but struggled right now And you've got some folks going to the bullpen right.
Hey, coming up, July the fifth, it's Rise and shine what returning week does weekly program.
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Runners in first and second has a fastball pumped in there on the outside corner.
That was right bottom of the sixth inning.
All those got runners at first and second fastball misses outside.
It's one and one.
Well, Bedford is at the plate for Lone Oak.
Oh, for two on the day for now.
He gets the ball down to third base, son.
Good ball.
They throw it across, they get the out.
But that does advance Louis to third base and repetitive second base.
Second time we've seen Lonzo work that to perfection.
This is it's just a it's a Jackrabbits team that does all the little things well and you sometimes confuse that if you're a power hitting team that you you don't always equate the two but they just do it all trip Sullivan is at the plate now and he'll take a ball inside He actually an infield bunt earlier in the ballgame that he was able to get on and run out pitches high and I'll take the count tuna and that's a curve ball inside to go three no logo right now they're just challenging Porter to throw strikes no intention of swinging.
No I mean at this point it's just wait till it throws a strike and that runs the ball and now bases are loaded He got that Coach Cross is going to come out and make a change at some point.
And who's coming up.
But Angle, who just had that two run blast?
Yeah, he had the two home run to right field and where he's missed is right where Engel hit the home runner right up high.
There's a fastball on the inside part of the plate and so on.
One fastball hits the turf.
It's now one and one.
And there's look at all the runners on the back.
You've got Sullivan at first, Repetto at second and Louis at third.
Strong on, lifted to center field third, a base hit that'll scored two runs.
And Leonel Romo extends her lead Jackson Angle is having a day to by sure is four RBI in his last two at bats look at two strikes it up the middle first time he's taken the bat off his shoulder.
This is a tough lone oak lineup.
Yeah, they don't make many mistakes as runners are at first and second.
Now that Swann fouled back, Drake Aycock is the batter right now.
So far today he walked back in the first inning, then fly to centerfield both other times it really has been the walks that have done in Ashdown today.
You had the walk right before that two run shot from Angle and then three walks of this inning that swung on, shot back at the middle, step on second throw to first as two high They got the out at second base runner does advance to third that is Sullivan three over so Drake Aycock will be at first on a fielder's choice now Cutter culverts the plate nice running at first base on the 29 Tanner stalks Looks like Tanner Starks is going to be running at first base for.
Drake Aycock So runners on the corners with two outs here in the sixth pitches up high right there.
That's a curve ball that misses their appeal down to first and he says it's a ball.
So two and oh they held up Oh boy you hear the crowd and I think that ran through our mind as well thought there you could look at a ball in that situation to take another look at it.
Yeah, that right there on the verge here is a pitch inside that's called a strike cutter.
Culver trying to extend the inning for lone oak that is swung on and looked to the right field as.
Washington goes back, makes the catch and that's three outs now here in the sixth inning, but not until lone oak scores, two runs after another big hit by Jackson Angle.
As we head to the seventh three outs in what could be a state champion.
And you're watching the Centennial State Baseball Championships in Arkansas, PBS Sports this month in Passport on the PBS video app.
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The love.
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It was fan good good doing it Well, we head to the top of the seventh as Ashdown is going to send their 567 hitters up and Grayson Porter, Braden Walton and Mason Washington.
No surprise to see Eves out there.
R.J. nine strikeouts on the day he has just cruised through this game.
Yeah, he'll throw a ball as his first pitch to Grayson, Porter and Porter today.
He flat out to right field back in the second inning.
Then he was hit by a pitch in the fourth and now delivers one into the right centerfield gap right here is it'll go all the way to the wall and he's going to round second base and try for a triple going to slide in there for his sliding triple.
And that's how things it start here in the seventh.
Well that's exactly what you need if you're Ashdown you've sort of been looking for that hit all day.
Great You all think so Now Braden Walton's going to be out.
He got hit by a pitch in the second, then flied to center field.
The fourth Eves.
RJ entered this inning with 70 pitches thrown.
I mean, some kind of efficient I want swung on over the first he beats it and they try to get him over it first they can't that's going to score drags down Jericho an error on the first baseman and so now Mason Washington will be at the plate with Warren first base.
Well I think it's possible the last three outs for your first state championship since 1969 give you the hardest to get that swung and missed Washington oh for two on the day had a strikeout the second and grounded out to the third baseman.
Here's the stat line on steel eaves nine strikeouts today had swung on and shot foul but he's be the MVP of this game If they hold on the wind or angle if they hold on.
Yeah, I would I don't know, man.
The angle here he's four RBI four RBI today here zero to that swan and fouled back Nice job by Washington the battle right here for the no to count Yeah one more nine strikeouts though that's pretty impressive.
I'm not going to lie here.
Zero two curveball pi gets out of the catcher's hand and that will advance Brett Walton to second base.
Uncharacteristic looking jackrabbit team here in the top of the seventh for sure.
So what is the count to Mason Washington and that's for the winner for called strike three oh ten strikeouts now for steel eaves the future Razorback is put on an absolute clinic in this one from the mound with that pitch I mean that that is a perfect pitch.
Yeah.
And now Gunnar Alton Baumer is going to come to the plate, having swung left to right field, going back at the fence.
It's in there for a base hit that'll score another another one for Ashdown.
Oh, no.
They held him up at third base.
I thought they were going to send him around third.
It's awfully deep to hold him.
Well, I think what he was doing, because I was watching the ball in the right field, he was waiting tag up at second to see if he if he caught the ball.
And so he got a late jump on it and they held him at third.
So that'll Sam Walton, the third base and it'll be a double for Alton Baumer And now Leland Garrett's at the plate.
He'll start off with a one count, only one out here in the seventh at four on.
It's left at third base, hit in the left field.
That'll score a run as Walton comes in to score and then getting to second base.
That was good.
Leland Garrett Really, the aggression right now by Ashton Kyle is really impressive is the aggression in the batter's box too.
They know it's their last chance here to try to get eaves just falls in front of the left fielder Repetto Ashdown is not out of this quite yet so runners at second and third.
Now back to the top of the line up with Walt Jones.
Keep in mind, it's a Ashdown team that came in.
RJ with so much confidence when you beat Nashville, your rival 6 to 2 on that regional championship and they have exploded offensively.
They're not used to being, at least over the last few games held scoreless going into the seventh.
So while Jones is at the plate, he's own for three with two strikeouts.
Oh, those pictures in there call it a strike.
Oh, now he gets away from steel, he leaves and it goes to one and one.
Nice job by Aycock to slide over.
We mentioned he really is one of the top high school catchers in the and I think he's shown some nice range there.
Walt Jones a405 hitter, started this game on the mound and a throwback to second and almost got him but he's safe That was Leland Garrett nice move that time by steel eaves and Garrett barely got back Look at that pickoff move to spin around that is so tough to do And a perfect throw back there.
Yeah it was the right call.
He got back the tag which is a little bit late.
Well, I do think, though, if you're a mono coach, Bryan Eagle, you're you're telling your stud on the mound to focus on the batter.
You got four runs Don't worry about the guys on the on the bat.
Exactly.
Here's the one one guy That's it.
Boy, he has been so good with that pitch all day today.
Watch this.
I mean, and it's the same spot every time.
Every it's at the top of the zone.
Every batter thinks it's going to come in high.
It's got that late break on it.
Here's the slider outside.
Takes count to two and two if to remind yourself he's just a junior.
Yeah, he'll be back here next year or potentially.
Yeah, all three of them.
Certainly.
Here's the two.
Two swung on and found off down the first base side alone of 29 wins last year.
A school record.
But they fell short of their ultimate goal.
This would tie with 29 wins, but certainly would mean a lot more.
Here's the two two It's inside it hitting.
So now bases are loaded as Nash Brown comes to the plate.
That's the third batter that he's hit today.
Yeah, the other two, as we've mentioned, though, we sort of put a little asterisks next to one bounce before home plate kind of came up.
And the second one was kind of that awkward looking lean in bunt attempt.
Yeah, that's really the first one that slipped out.
So Nash Brown is at the plate, flied to center field back in the first.
He was also by a pitch in the fourth and struck out in the sixth and it's going to be popped up out of play.
Oh, here's the pitch again.
A sharp break cut fastball and he's able to get it for a strike.
There's a look at all the base runners you've got Jones At first, you've got Garrett at second and Alton Baumer at third Fastball and on the hands he fouls it off counts Owen to every batter for Ashdown who stepped into the batter's box and I think with some intent misses it at swing and miss there's two outs down here.
The seventh 11 strikeouts as a 12 now 11 hitter, that's 11 strikeouts.
Now Caleb Blankenship is at the plate with two outs, bases are loaded.
Lonoke leads Ash down 6 to 2.
Blankenship has struck out twice in this game, does have a base hit in the fourth.
Now one thing to remember that Blankenship has a 574 on base percentage he knows how to get on is up that pitch sails inside.
Here's the one who had swung on in the left field.
Third base hit.
That'll score one run.
So that'll bring an alternate bomber in for a run that'll send Garrett to third base.
Jones will go to and Blankenship will be at first replacement.
Derek Gilpin and now Tank.
He'll be at the plate national rank long snapper coming through there and if Derek Hilton gets on Ashton well batted around this inning there's a nice pitch calling his strike oh one curveball swung on chopper to short they step on second load they are the state champions here Fargo on this one.
It's one of 6 hours down three.
We'll take a break.
When we come back, have the trophy ceremony as well as the final recap of this one.
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There you see, the handshake line is the little jackrabbits.
They are your four baseball champions for 2023.
It was a heck of a ball game.
I mean, Ashdown gave it it gave it their all.
We were just talking in the break how Ashton only had one hit going into the seventh and they out hit Lone Oak in this ballgame 5 to 4 credit those Panthers a team that was swinging it so well coming into this game steel eaves just shut them down cruising through six to get to the seventh You knew he was not going to come out.
So, hey, the Panthers put up a fight there, make it a little bit interesting in the seventh.
But this is this is a crowning achievement for a lot of team that I don't think there's any doubt is the best team in school history.
This is this is the dream season completed for certainly best all around team in school history.
Their first state championship since 1969.
For those jackrabbits, they finished the year 29 and two unbelievable season for Lone Oak and Ashtown.
Meanwhile, RJ, it's worth pointing out for all the history of the Ashdown 32 playoff appearances, they have still never won a championship, now falling to oh and five in state final game.
Yeah, that's pretty tough.
And then we get another runner up trophy while they're doing the trophy presentation unit.
Go ahead and cut to some highlights.
I mean if they're ready back in the back and we'll start the first inning and it was all lone oak in the first inning when Jackson Engel he got on because of an error, came around to score and that started the scoring in the first.
Then we go to the second.
It was Wyatt Repetto who was able to get on.
He walked later, came around to score it, made it two to nothing.
Then we go to the fourth inning and this is when all the magic happen because Jackson Engel, he set a two run shot to right field and it made it four to nothing in favor of one that the first big bomb of this weekend And then in the sixth inning Lance back of the plate base graduate crossed a couple more runs as John Lewis scored Why Repetto scored and then in the seventh inning it was Ashdown coming back.
They were just one play after another.
There was an error.
They had a base hit after base hit.
They scored three runs in the seventh inning and they weren't giving up.
They weren't going down without a fight.
You saw one after another and your final score in this one, it was 6 to 3.
There are your class for a baseball champions in the world of Jack Rabbits.
Well, it didn't feel like the way Steve Steel Eaves was pitching that they would need those insurance runs in the sixth.
But certainly a good thing that they got them a63 championship for a lone oak first since 1969.
See the final totals?
Six runs, four hits.
One error for a load of three runs, five hits and an error for Ashdown.
And Lonoke is your state champion.
Hey, we've got a lot of action coming up the rest of the day today.
In fact, coming up next, you're going to have softball action here on Arkansas PBS Sports.
There's a live look over at the softball field as it's Mansfield and Riverside taking taking the ball in the two, a softball champions today will have softball, softball.
And then tonight at 7:00, it will be the baseball game at Woodlawn, chance to win their sixth state championship in seven seasons.
We hope the weather stays far, far away from Conway this evening.
And what a great day on tap here.
Yeah, well, over here at the baseball field, there are your champions are the jackrabbits.
They win it by a final of 6 to 3 for Kyle Delco, bottom of our Jayhawks.
You've been watching the Centennial Bank State baseball Championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.
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