It is overcast days here at the Benton Athletic complex, where we've got three a baseball action.

Now, titles on the line here in Benton as Ashdown and Harding Academy are about to square off for the title help.

The one on RJ honk, along with Hayden Belgravia Hayden.

We saw a lot of good baseball.

Stay here at the complex and this one's gonna hold to to true form because you've got a defending champ and Harding Academy and you've got an Ashdown team that is really, really good looking for revenge.

After losing to this Harding Academy team last year, man, you know it's been on their minds for a full calendar year now talking about what?

Just give us that opportunity.

Give us that moment.

Well, it's here.

It's finally arrived for Ashdown too and this is a team that's not afraid.

We watched them just stand there and watch Harding Academy take infield kind of a little bit.

I don't know if it's a mental game playing before we get things going here and the three.

State championship, but yesterday we saw so much small ball, these two teams though would not be surprised if we saw some balls leave the yard today.

Yeah, we'll talk 1st about Ashdown.

This is a team that comes in 26 and six, and I mean they've got hitters throughout but leading the way as they're starting pitcher is.

That's Alex Kiebach who's pitched 51 innings this year.

He's 18 on the year with a .68 ERA.

He's had 74 strikeouts and 30 two walks.

Not bad on the year.

Pretty good season so far.

And you live for this moment.

We all know that Alex is going to be ready.

He's going to be prepared.

He's a strong right hand or ready to take them out and he's gonna have a tough test today.

We talked about how good this Harding Academy offense is.

He is gonna have to pitch his best ball game of the season.

If Ashdown wants to get out of here with a title, the road to state for Ashdown DeWitt.

They won that 11 to one Elkin 62 in Benton, Harmony Grove, seven to four.

They've never won a state championship as they've been in this title game three times.

Let's go to the other side real quick.

Harding Academy, they were.

They are the defending state champions.

In fact, we've got a highlight package.

From last year's game in which they won the state championship and really, Levi Lang was the do it all player for Harding Academy last year.

He's actually headed to Little Rock to play baseball, and boy he had a big game last year in the title game and they look at this just run after run, hit after hit, and Harding Academy ended up winning the three A state championship last year by a final score of eight to one, and they're looking to do that again this year.

I was here for that ball game last year, complete domination from the Wildcats too and how fired up is Chris.

Hurry, just right down the road to get a guy like laying who's gonna move to Little Rock and do great things for the Trojans in the future.

But he's got that experience and that's probably the biggest thing coming into this ball game.

Harding Academy was here last year.

They took care of business with ease to win the state championship, and now they're trying to go back to back and win another one this Wildcat offense it?

It's just a different animal.

When you get used to it.

So now can they continue and do what they've done all season long and hit the long ball?

Well they won the state championship last year looking for their 6th.

This team has put up 367 runs this year in high school baseball.

Let's go ahead and give you the defensive lineman for Harding Academy that come in 30 and three on the infield.

Kate Smith is at third base, Tyler Hoover is at short Levi Lang, who was in the title game as we mentioned last year.

He's at second base with Eli Wallace at first in the outfield.

You've got Dan Henley.

I may call him Don Henley at one point, but it's Dan Henley Field, Chris Anderson and Center, and Jalen Willett is over in right field and your battery today for Harding Academy is Gavin.

Betty, he's the pitcher.

Get this.

We just talked about the pitching stats on the other side, 53 innings, a 1.3 ERA, 89 strikeouts.

Only nine walks this year that's consistency, and he's going to need to continue that consistency again.

How do you navigate this extremely talented Ashdown lineup?

Now here's the Ashdown lineup.

As you see it on your screen right down there, Kilpauk will lead the way for Ashdown, as the first pitch is underway and he'll start one.

And oh, we do have a chance of rain in the forecast.

I think we'll get this game in.

It may be the afternoon games that we may see some precipitation here in Benton, as one O is called the ball down low, it's two and O RJM called them as many favors as I can to my meteorologist friends over at the station.

It looks like that system has slowed down a little bit, so hopefully we can get a lot of baseball in today.

Here's the two.

Oh, as that's going to be a fastball at 86 miles an hour on the inside.

That brings the count to three.

And oh.

On deck, Jackson Jester and then Derek Hilton.

That's your 123 hitters for Ashdown today.

Three O's on the way fastball right down Broadway at 85 miles an hour, and it's three and one Ashdown.

Would love to get out to a fast start.

You know, Harding Academy's offense is dangerous.

They can put up runs quickly.

Panthers would love a great start.

31 slap foul down the left field side to make things full at three and two, you know you have a little bit of you know that state championship jitters and it may not be the fact that you're nervous, just you know it's the last outing of the year and the title is on the line.

You're a little bit more amped up than what you would be safe for the semifinal quarterfinal game, as that pitch goes outside.

And that's a leadoff walk for Alex Gilbaugh.

And now Jackson gestures at the plane.

That is a great start.

For Ashdown to really patient, really good job, you know.

Not swinging at anything out of the zone, making sure you get a runner on it, and this is big.

For Ashdown, you've got the defending champs are looking for a little revenge.

Apply the pressure early if you can get things going.

We saw Taylor do that yesterday and that one a state title game and it proved to.

Pretty pretty solid for Taylor.

Here's the first pitch to gesture called a strike.

With that fastball at 86, he's batting 459 on the year with seven home runs and 38 RBI.

Here's the 01 that is hit in the right field that could stay fair.

It is just right there on the line now.

They're gonna call it foul.

They're gonna call it foul.

Boy, that was really, really close.

That is about as close as it gets.

We talked about the dimensions here in Benton yesterday and how much space there is between the wall and the foul grounds.

Boy, I I know we got a turf field here RJ.

If that was chalk it was close.

It was right on the line.

I know we're going to get another look at it right here.

I thought off the jump.

This was a fair ball.

I mean, it was extremely close as it was just to the right of the line.

So it's Owen two, we'll give you the dimensions here in a moment as a change up at 74 is in there for a ball down the lines.

It's 320 here at the ballpark in the power alleys, 355 and dead center is 375 here at Everett Field.

Well, you just think you're Ashdown your inches away from probably runners on second and third.

He may even score from first on that, but 1/2 is swung on and missed, and that's the first out of the ball game.

As Jester goes down on strikes.

And now Derek Hilton, the left fielder, comes to the back to the plate, batting 293 with 24 RBI's boy.

How are you feeling?

If you're Gavin elvedi right there, you think you may have just given up a double, maybe an even one to nothing lead for Ashdown, you come back and get a big strikeout.

First pitch is in there for a ball.

On deck Caleb Blankenship, the catcher.

Rollback over to 1st and he's safe boy.

We had a marathon of a bet ball game last night in the four a time.

How much sleep did you get?

We went ten innings last night in that game, but it was a good one between Harrison and Valley View.

What a great ball game I was able to catch a little bit of it watching you guys and the man the myth.

The legend Bobby Swafford on the call and just what an unbelievable state championship ball game.

What a great atmosphere and this is what that's all about.

You know these guys to play in this type of atmosphere and this type of situation it's it's awesome.

11 is fouled out of play when his account to one and two and you know the thing about that was a lot of times you think oh gosh you're going to go it was there weren't a lot of errors.

I mean it was a he had two pitchers that almost maxed out on their.

Their total pitches for the ball game is the 1/2 is the change up swung on struck him out that he's throwing on second base struck him out, throw him out and that's how they talked.

The first ends with a scoreless ball game.

We head to the bottom of the first inning, where it's Harding Academy's turn you're watching.

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Well, we head to the bottom of the first inning, where Harding Academy will now have their turn of the plate and on the mound for Ashdown will be Alex Kiebach 51 innings 8 no on the year with a .686 ERA.

Yeah, you heard that right.

.686 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 30 two walks.

There's the Harding Academy lineup.

Leading things off is going to be Tyler Hoover, and Hoover will be up first and takes a ball up high and outside.

And he's got a home run in 19 RBI this year.

We just said those numbers.

Kiebach and his numbers are gonna be put to the test today.

The southpaw he?

He's got the stuff.

He's got everything you want in a starting pitcher.

He has LED this Ashdown squad all season long.

This will be without a doubt his toughest test of the season and we'll see how he can navigate against this really talented Harding Academy lineup.

He's in the hole early against Kyler Hoover with three straight balls and.

You know, as I talked about, he's had 30 two walks this year as the three O is.

Right there, called a strike.

Kate Smith on deck, then Gavin Elvetia.

Here's the three one that is a curveball called the Strike and Hoover.

Thought for a minute, that was gonna get the walk and then said, don't wait, I'm gonna hang tight real quick.

He was ready to March down to and just like the top of the first again starting off with the 30 count battling back to a full.

Here's the three two swung on lifting the left field right at the left fielder Derek Hilton.

And that's the first out here in the first inning.

And that's a great job by Alex Kilbuck too.

You go 30.

You don't want to walk the leadoff guy and get this Harding Academy any momentum.

Offensive players all of a sudden you battle back to the 30 count and you're able to get the first punch out of the ball game.

So now that brings up Kate Smith seven home runs this year with 36 RBI.

First pitch is outside.

It'll be a ball.

You know this ballpark has not been won for home runs.

This the state tournament.

There's only been one hit in fact, and it was in the Conway game that went over the 3:55 sign in right field.

Is this one?

Hit out to short and Jones is right there to throw across the diamond and record the second out here in the first.

But you mentioned the two are Jim.

We were just talking about how the wind was going to be a factor so much today.

It doesn't look like it's blowing nearly as hard.

As it was on Friday on this Saturday too.

But this is big I. I think you know we talked about Killpack being a really outstanding pitcher.

If he can go 123 here to settle his nerves, get this championship game underway.

It's going to be huge.

Gavin L Venti is going to be in the box.

He's got three home runs and 38 RBI this year and he fouls the first one off.

You know I was looking in the pregame at Ashdown and I think that they went.

They win the All hair team with all their players is that ones goes outside.

It's one and one there is some locks on this team.

You look at shortstop.

I mean between Garrett Leal and Garrett first, Walt Jones at short, and is that one goes up top and then.

Outfields got some hair, I mean they they they've got just for men going on.

Hey you look good, you feel good you feel good you play good it's obviously working for the Panthers so far this season so keep the locks going hopefully to lead them to a title for all those two one.

It's ripped in the left field and it's gonna bounce off the left field wall.

He's gonna run for a little bit as that one it went way over into the bowl territory.

It'll be a stand up double for Gavin Halveti for the first hit of the ball game.

How about helping yourself out now at the off the bat I thought that baseball.

Have been gone to but you said it this park it doesn't allow, at least for this weekend.

A lot of homers.

We've only seen one so far in the baseball state championship games, but that was a rocket off the bat.

Take another look at this.

Now Levi Lang is going to be at the plate that was a shot over the left field, and Lynn's the second baseman today, with five home runs and 32 RBI.

As the ball gets past the catcher Blankenship and that will advance Elvetia the third base.

I wonder how many MLB ballparks that baseball's gone and I think Yankee stadiums are given.

Yeah, I mean, close the thing about it.

It didn't have much height to it, it was.

It was a low liner and.

It was it was definitely shot.

Lang, who's headed to Little Rock to play baseball next year.

Has a 10 curveball outside, and it's now two and oh.

Pretty nice recruiting job there by Chris Curry with the Trojans you know Harding Academy Searcy that's on the way up to my alma mater in Jonesboro.

Red wolves I'm sure we're battling and he's going to play a Little Rock.

Here's the two old pits the town signs now three, you know.

You gotta be careful with this guy.

I'd you don't want to ever walk anybody to both that runner on 3rd you got a base wide open.

I don't think a walks too terrible.

Three O's found back boy.

He was going all three right, yeah?

Hey, when you got that power you just look over at coach sure if he's gonna hum one in there.

Take a hack at it.

3 balls, one strike.

There's two outs here in the bottom of the first inning.

Here it is as he checks wings.

They said that he did go and now you've got a full count to Levi Lang.

And this is a big moment here too.

We mentioned that experience last year for Levi Lang.

He led this Harding Academy squad to a state championship victory.

This is a big moment earlier in this ball game.

Full count here it is that's swung on chopped out to 3rd.

Making the throw is gonna be rowing.

They'll get him out at first base, so no damage done by the Harding Academy Wildcats.

They do get a base hit by Gavin Elvetia and we head to the top of the second inning where it's a scoreless one in the three eight title game you're watching, the Centennial Bank State Baseball championships on Arkansas.

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Well.

We are headed to the top of the second inning where Ashtown will be at the plate with their 456 hitters.

In Caleb Blankenship, Braden Walton, and Walton Jones just wonder how much confidence Salvetti has going back out there.

When you see what your defense did, a little strike him out, throw him out to end the top of the first, and it's got to be a good feeling as a starting pitcher.

Knowing you got those guys behind you.

First pitch is in there.

Four ball Blankenship batting 372 on the year with 33 RBI's as that one takes the two and O.

Again, till we saw yesterday in that one a state title game.

When Taylor Halveti from the stretch doesn't use the wind up even with nobody on as he delivers a strike.

2 balls on a strike, top of the second inning.

Class 3A state title game.

And that's a fastball in there at 83 miles an hour called a strike.

It's two and two gosh even in that two seamer on there, you can see it.

It's a fastball.

It's right to the heart of the plate, but it's just got a little bit of movement on it.

Where, let's look outside, move back in.

And now he's evened up the count.

Here's the two, two and that's sales over the top of Blankenship.

And we've got a full count.

Just a bit outside.

3 balls, two strikes that swore on and missed.

1st strike out here in the second inning.

RJ I can't tell you how nasty that pitch looks.

It's it's coming right inside.

You've got a full count.

You gotta protect the plate and then that little movement just inside ties the hands up and halveti with a beautiful pitch.

I mean, that's almost unhittable.

Yeah, that two seamer that comes inside right half the plate as Brayden Walton has a strike called against him.

Walton is the center fielder today, batting 358 with 25 RBI.

01 swarm on a mask.

Quickly Owen two way out that he works quick.

He does not waste anytime he's ready to get going immediately as possible.

If I'm Ashdown at some point.

If you can't figure him out, it's time to step out of the box and and take a minute.

O2 and they're called strike three on the inside part of the plate at 85 miles an hour.

Yeah, poor Walton didn't stand a chance at that and bad.

I mean, that's just beautiful movement on that.

It looks like when Albert he's really going, I mean he's in the zone.

And when you just walk up to the plate and you can't figure out that two seamer of where it's going.

I mean, sometimes it's just not your bat.

You tip your cap and you move on.

That's the 4th strike out of the ball game for Gavin, all Betty, as that's called a strike to Walt Jones.

Walt Jones batting 412 on the year.

With ten RBI.

That's up top to even the count.

And I think Jones here just got to settle in.

You know you've you've really gotten a quick couple of outs here.

Harding academies, right on the verge of just running back into the dugout.

Take your time here.

See some pitches 11 swung on and missed.

Look right past him at 85.

It's one and two.

Two outs here in the second as that swim on missed and that's gonna retire well Jones three straight strikeouts for Gavin L Vetty as we head to the.

Bottom of the second inning scoreless ball game in the three eight title game you're watching, the Centennial Bank State baseball championships in Arkansas.

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Have Prince made?

These are great championship keepsakes.

Well, the 567 hitters are due up front for Harding Academy as Chris Anderson's at the plate.

Anderson has three triples this year with two home runs and 35 RBI.

Playing center field today for Harding Academy is takes the count to two and oh.

On deck Cooper Welch and then Dan Henley.

Really proud of you for not saying don't we're still early as it's now three and oh.

Tell it, I wonder how many times?

Well, maybe not so much with the younger generation.

Sure, people call him Don, but I would imagine some older folks may get him confused as the three O pitches in there for a strike look my name is 2 letters, just RJ and I have people all the time.

They call me Jr.

So sure that replacing the O with her an A with an O is pretty common.

I would imagine.

Is that swung on is now three in two while you're talking to a guy whose last name is Bao Gabian well.

And then you have that and then you have that.

3 balls, two strikes.

Here's the pitch that's swollen out to short as Walt Jones is right there to pick it up.

Throw it over and it's a 63 put out.

You know I love what Alex is doing right now.

He's let his defense work for him.

He doesn't have the strike outs that you're looking for, and I know you want to be dominated.

Doesn't have any strikeouts so far, but he's letting his defense go to work and so far they are backing him up against this really talented learning Academy lineup.

Cooper Welch.

The DH is at the plate, 37 RBI this year with three home runs.

As Hills Drive one to center field, it's a can of corn for Braden Walton, and he'll settle underneath it for the second out.

You know, hard to get Academy being really aggressive early.

We're so used to them taking advantage of opportunities.

Bashing home runs left and right.

They're being really aggressive early, which I love the approach.

But at the same time too killbot can get out of here with a 123 inning.

That's big.

Yeah, both these pictures are really good, as Dan Henley's at the plate.

He's playing left field as that's up high.

Called of all 24 RBI this year for the left fielder.

10 chopped to the first base.

He'll step on the back for the third out 123 go the Wildcats in the second inning as both these two pitchers are rolling right now.

We head to the top of the third inning where we've got to score this ball game in the three eight title game you're watching.

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The 891 hitters are due up for Harding Academy.

Eli Wallace, Isaac Baker, and Kyler Hoover round out the top three banners for Harding Academy.

For Ashdown, it's Leland Garrett, Spencer Patterson and Landon Rowe.

My apologies as we're on the top of the third inning.

Marte, we're humming too, you know, we saw some offense earlier in that one championship.

We don't.

We don't talk about pace of play, especially in the third inning as the first ones in there called a ball.

So that's just a warning folks get ready for this 45 minutes to an hour third inning that's coming up.

Here's the one O pitch.

Is that swung on?

Popped up over in a foul territory.

And that's going to be attempted, but not caught by the 3rd baseman.

For Harding Academy Kate Smith.

That's a great effort by Smith too.

And again, these wide dimensions here at this beautiful Benton baseball complex that that is a foul ball in the stands.

And a lot of stadiums.

But you've got opportunities here, especially in left and at third base, but that's a great effort by Smith.

One ball, one strike as at Swan, right back at the pitcher, Gavin Elvedi was able to glove it underhanded, and that's the first out here in the top of the third inning.

We all that he's doing it all so far in this ball game.

He's not only struck out five, he's playing a little defense.

He always loved the picture.

Man that's on his toes because I think if this one gets through, that's a base hit into center field.

But he's able to play it nicely and looking like a gold Glover, Spencer Patterson's at the plate.

He's DH today, batting 247 with two home runs.

As the first pitch is inside called the ball, you know we were talking about pace of play just a moment ago last night and that 10 inning ball game between Valley View and Harrison, we were in the 6th inning and Troy Mitchell, who's the Sid?

He announces that the time of play has been two hours.

Is that one goes up into center field for the first base hit today for Ashdown.

Yeah, it's a really good piece of hitting there.

By Spencer Patterson.

I know you were talking about pace of play and everything.

Yeah, a little bit of a curse there.

In the sixth he announces 2 hours and we were in the 6th inning.

I mean, you're only playing seven in high school baseball.

And next thing I know we are in the 10th and we've played 3 1/2 hours so we don't talk about pace of play now, as Landon Roe is now at the play.

He'll show bunt fouls it off.

It's like your buddy dragging you to the movies and saying sure we'll go see this movie and then you sit down.

How long is it?

2 hours that's three and a half, three and a half.

And you know, I don't think they make movies anymore that are 2 1/2 hours now.

I think.

I think it's now the standard you you have to produce a movie that is, you know, on the verge of an all day movie.

Yes.

Ohh ones account.

Here's the pitch outside and it's one in one.

One out here in the top of the third.

Each team has one hit in the ball game, as Ashdown has a runner at first base, that's Spencer Patterson.

Here's the pitch, the row, and that's a called strike at the knees, and it's one and two.

When we saw Ashdown applied a little bit of pressure in the top of the first inning, and then Harding Academy gets out of it, with the twin killing strike him out.

Throw him out.

You know elvedi would love to repeat that.

1/2 pitch on the way.

Curveball got him.

He's just in a groove right now.

I know that was a hard hit base.

Hit up the middle by.

Ashdown, but man, when Halveti is home and he's human and he is looked sensational so far through Alex Gilbaugh first couple of innings in this ball game.

That's his sixth strike out of the ball game, and now Ashdown goes back to the top of the line, up with Alex Gilbaugh.

That's swung on and missed Kilbuck back in the first inning.

He got on because of a leadoff walk and then was later thrown out at second base.

And this is where it really really benefits you if you don't worry about the windup you go directly from the stretch at all times with runner on with no runners on, he's in the zone and he's got his all of his pitches in his command working right now.

01 as the stolen base for Spencer Patterson.

With no throw and so.

That'll bring the count to Owen 2 on Gilbaugh.

It's a big steel right there for Ashdown because now you're just one swing away.

If you can get something into the outfield, even a single if he pulls 1 to the right side, it's gonna be 1 to nothing Panthers.

Here's the O2 and that's way inside we're going to count to one and two and and really it's a.

It's a non starter if you're Harding Academy, because if you if you throw it and it gets into the outfield then you'll give up.

Third, you might as well just let him steal the bag.

Large ham looking at second base too.

I'm surprised he's holding him on.

You've got a huge gap to the right here.

If he's able to pull one.

1/2's on the way, it's outside it's two and two.

If I'm learning Academy, I'm scooting him over to the right for defensive positioning, at least because it's there is as we've talked about not only a huge gap in the outfield too, but just along the right side.

Even a soft base hit to right.

It's going to score.

2 balls, two strikes.

The pitch is on the way and that's swung on out.

The second diving attempt gets underneath the glove.

That's gonna score a run for Ashdown and it's an RBI single for Alex Gilbaugh.

That's a beautiful piece of hitting, and that's exactly what I'm talking about.

They're holding him on, and I understand if you want to try pickoff move, but you left so much space to the right side and great hitters do what great hitters do when Alex able to take advantage with just a soft single at the right field, and now Ashdown with an early one to nothing lead.

So now that brings up Jackson Jester to the plate.

And.

Courtesy running for Ashdown is Nash Brown, who's at first base.

Umm?

It's a tough break for Alveda there too.

He's pitched so well he's got 6 strikeouts on just a little bit of soft contact and all of a sudden you're down one to nothing.

Two outs here in the top of the third inning is that's gonna bring the count to one and oh.

Cloud starting to roll in here to Benton as some dark clouds over the left field wall.

Right now, that's going to hit Jackson Jester and now you've got runners at first and second with two outs here in the inning.

Yeah, elvedi.

He was cruising right along and you give up that base hit and you give up the lead and I know it's frustrating.

And he's got to settle in here.

Still 2 outs for Harding Academy.

No big damage done yet, but you can just see that's a breaking ball that just never broke.

Derek Hilton, the left fielders on next, he struck out back in the first inning.

Now you've got runners at 1st and 2nd.

And it looks like we're going to have time called as.

Head coach Shane Fulton's going to make his way to the mound to talk to his pitcher Gavin Halveti and I love this move here by Coach Fullerton.

You're going in.

You've got an ace.

He's been great all season long.

This is just a quick conversation to say settle in.

We've got two outs right now.

I know you've got a couple of runners on, but just focus on this hitter.

And we all know Derek Hilton hitting third in this lineup.

He's big time he can do some damage in a hurry, so you got to be careful.

Don't just hump something in there, but force the fact that there's still 2 outs.

Settle down a little bit.

And let's get our defensive positioning right.

We're going to break up the mound visit and everybody will return to their respective base.

As the one nothing Ashdown laid over Harding Academy.

In our day we talked about that Harding Academy Championship DNA.

These guys are the defending champs they've been here before.

But how do you respond when you get down a little bit last year's title game?

Not much of a ball game they dominated, so let's see how they handle a little bit of early adversity.

But Derek Hilton's at the plate.

Here's the three hole hitter today as that swung on in the gap underneath the shortstop.

That'll bring in a run.

As he'll slide in, it's two to nothing Ashdown That's just a great piece of hitting by Derek Hilton and excellent first pitch.

Take advantage of it into left field single and again you don't have to mash home runs in this ballpark.

Put it in play, see if you can get something through to leak into the outfield, and first pitch you take advantage and all the sudden it's 2 nothing Ashdown.

It's an RBI single for Derek Hilton and now Caleb Blankenship.

The catcher comes to the plate who struck out back in the second inning.

It's always funny RJ.

Once you go through that line up the second time, Halveti looked unhittable through the first time and now Panthers are liking what they're seeing.

Kerbal up top now wanna know?

So far, ash down two runs, three hits, no errors, while Harding Academy no runs one hit.

In both those runs coming with two outs.

When I was in there called a strike at the knees on the inside half the plate, it's one in one.

You feel like helvetia's going to settle into a bit of a groove here you understand, go back to your mechanics, go through, try not to worry about those two runners.

You've only given up a couple of soft base hits.

There's the one one that's swung on out to short.

Say, slow grounder.

He'll make the throw and retire the side.

So 6.

Three on the put out, but not until Ashdown scores two runs in the top of the third inning on a couple of the three base hits, that is, and we head to the bottom of the third inning, where Ashdown leads a 2 nothing, you're watching the Centennial Bank State baseball championships on Arkansas.

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So congratulations to Noah Terry who is our student athlete in Class 3A as the first pitch to Kyler Hoover.

Our excuse me to Eli Wallace is found off.

Wallace is not seen.

Alex Gilbaugh, yet as he's the 8 hitter, we'll go 891 in the lineup.

Isaac Baker is a 9 hole hitter.

I don't know if it's a good sign for Harding Academy or Ashdown, but a little bit of sunshine peeking through.

RJ know are right.

01 is in there called a strike, it's.

Owen two now.

No balls two strikes.

That's a change up that misses outside, and it's one and two.

12 curveball chopped over the mound on to make the play as Jones and he'll put him out at first.

What a great job by Jones over there.

And shortstop RJ already mentioned the All Hair team.

He may be my first pick over there at shortstop Tony.

That is the main right there.

That's a flow, and I tell you he flows with ease, able to take his time, knows the runner, understands the speed.

He makes a great play here at shortstop to get the first out of the inning.

Like a Troy Polamalu.

It is hair.

I was thinking more sunshine from, you know.

The classic remember the Titans here is Isaac Baker, as he swings at the first pitch.

The ones on the way, and that's.

Popped in the right field and right there to get the position is von Derrick Thomas, as that's the second out here in the third.

Well, Alex Kiebach right now is just in the zone he's pitching to contact.

He's lending his defense go to work.

He's doing a great job, but one I'm loving the most.

Here RJ his pitch count.

He is keeping it down.

He's doing a great job so far because we again know how dangerous this Harding Academy lineup can be.

Back to the top of the lineup is Kyler Hoovers up and they call a strike on the outside part of the plate.

01 is lifted the left field giving Chase is Hilton, and he'll make it right at the foul line and that's gonna do it for Harding Academy in the 3rd inning.

3 up.

Three down go the Wildcats.

We head to the top of the fourth, where Ashdown will be back at the plate.

They lead it 2 nothing.

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We're going on.

And here's a look at the strikeouts in the ball game.

Lots of them.

There's been six to be exact, for Harding.

Kemys, Gavin elvedi.

And got a little bit of a trouble.

Last go around the third, but.

He still had a good performance on the mound.

He's really hitting his spots so far.

You saw those six K that he's already knocked out.

He looked unhittable.

Basically the 1st 2 innings of this ball game, but Ashdown doing a great job of just simply hitting him where they ain't getting a couple of singles to make this a tuna, nothing ball game.

And that's what you got to do against a great pitcher like Gavin Halveti.

Put it in play, see what happens.

So Brayden Walton's going to be at the plate for Ashtown.

As he'll have a check swing that goes right back to the mound and it'll be an easy put out 1/3.

It's a good way to get back on the horse too.

If you're Gavin elvedi one pitch one out right back to you, a couple of come backers.

That he's already stopped now.

Walt Jones.

The shortstop's up.

He struck out back in the second inning.

Jones came in the ball game batting 412.

Yeah, Jones wants a little bit of redemption right here.

He swung and missed and took a little bit of a tumble, but made a great play at shortstop.

And now he's trying to get his back going.

Here's a chopper to 3rd and right there to glove it with Smith.

He throws it over.

It's 5 three on the put out about 2 pitches, 2 outs.

That's a good way to come back for sure from giving up a couple runs.

Now that's got to be a good feeling, too.

Harding Academy?

You're in an early deficit 2 to nothing and you want to get your offense back in the dugout as quickly as possible.

See if you can get a rally and after that long third inning for Alveda, he's quickly got 2 outs.

Here's Garrett as a. Leland Garrett at the plate.

The first pitch is outside, it's one, and oh, that's always the rule 2.

You get 2 pitches on 2 outs.

Whatever you do, I don't care where it is.

You don't swing at the third pitch.

We're not gonna be out in three pitches.

Here's the 10 that's out to 3rd, and once again, row, excuse me, Smith is right there to throw it over.

And 123 goes Ashdown in the 4th inning.

We head to the bottom of the fourth inning where Ashton leads the two.

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

It's a big deal that they can turn on the TV or DVR or whatever.

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

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

First pitch is swung on and sent to center field for the first out and celebrate game day under the arches.

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That was Kate Smith, who lined out to center field.

Gavin Elvedi is up next.

He had that double to.

Left field back in the first inning.

The curveball, and at least for the long dance, for pitching every 13 Gavin already contact what does that four outs on 6 pitches?

No.

Here's the 10.

That's gonna hit the turf and it's now doing them.

For those watching that have not watched many of the games this weekend, it is an all turf field here at Everett Field in Benton.

And so you're gonna get true hops out here at the at the diamond, and there's no dirt, no dirt too.

Gosh, it's such a great relief too for this Benton, Panther staff you know.

Normally we've been to so many ball games and in between state title games, you've got to reapply the dirt you've got to water the grass.

You've got a good thing builds character.

Yeah it does, it does.

I remember that you'd have a tournament and you just wrap up a ball game as there's the two one and coach and say, OK everybody get the rights out where to go?

We're gonna go right first, second and third.

Real quick and then after we just got them playing the ball game, that's all the best to you.

Get about 90 seconds to enjoy your trophy.

Alright, get off the field.

Here's a shot to center field.

As it was a high fly ball and Brayden Walton was right there to reel it in for the second out.

Well, Alex Kilpeck he is in his bag right now.

He is looked phenomenal.

So far.

Harding Academy, just one of 12 so far RJ both these teams have combined 4 of 26 so far in this ball game with Ashdown taking advantage with a couple of singles.

So now Levi Lang is at the plate.

Grounded out to third base earlier is sent a shot in the left field for a base hit.

So we call the old announcers jinx right there and talk about how nobody can hit the ball.

Yep, gotta single out the left now.

So now Chris Anderson, the center fielders up, he grounded out to short back in the second inning.

Anderson, who I talked about earlier, got a lot of speed, has three triples, two home runs and 35 RBI this year.

That's swan out to short.

They'll go with the easy bag at 2nd.

That's gonna do it for the 4th inning.

So party Academy Sims 4 batters to the play they can't scratch across the run.

We head to the top of the fifth inning where Ashdown leads the two.

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Ashdown comes the plate.

They're gonna send their 891 hitters up with Spencer Patterson, Landon Rowe and Alex Kiebach and so back on the mound.

His Gavin elvetia.

Well, Betty on the day.

Is that a really good day with the strikeouts, as he's had six so far?

Well, if you're just joining us or you went to go get a breakfast burrito or something.

We're humming through 4 innings.

I know we talked about it.

Don't talk about the speed of the game, but it's these pitchers have been so effective earlier in this ball game and now.

Well, we're getting there.

Top of the fifth already.

Alex Swan and the bat goes flying towards the Harding Academy dugout.

I will say that it is really humid here at the ballpark, and oftentimes we saw it yesterday where you know you get a little.

Precipitation on that on that bat has tendency to go flying well.

Maybe Patterson had that breakfast burrito I was talking about.

His hands are still a little greasy.

So Owen one's account that's swung on and fouled back.

So when two now?

Seen a lot of that early in this ball game too quickly.

Oh and two oh, and one pitchers don't waste anything.

You can see ash down here too, we're trying.

Put a little rosin on that baseball bat so it doesn't slip out of his hands.

Hey ***** can I borrow the rosin real quick?

I know if I've ever seen that, I've asked the picture from the roszak I've ever seen that.

Alright, thanks brother, let's go.

I don't want to get the capitated by the back and see that's everybody's on the same team.

Yeah, here's the O2 and it's swung on.

Got it, got away from the catcher and the throw down.

The first is not gonna happen and.

Patterson's gonna get on bags with a pass ball?

That'll just frustrate you as a pitcher too.

You got a guy 02.

You throw one in the dirt.

It's a great O2 pitch.

He swings, misses, and all of a sudden it just gets to the backstop and you got to run around first.

Landon rose at the plate.

Now he struck out back in the third inning.

He'll show bunt he misses and it's oh and one.

You know our chapter.

Somebody bunt attempts in that one.

A baseball game.

I could be wrong, but I think that's the first one we've seen today so far.

Now there was one earlier one earlier one.

Earlier they're starting to run together for me.

You're used to the small ball game used to the small ball game, well.

See if he tries again on 01 and.

And Alveda so quick on his pickoff.

Move back to first and I don't know how much of a lead I'm getting.

If I'm Spencer Patterson over there he is just so precise in his delivery.

We're over to first again.

Boy, he's got a strong arm that he does.

Even two, I mean we're in the top of the fifth inning and he's still throwing as hard as he was in the first.

The bond has popped up on the infield and it's gonna go foul.

There's a lot of traffic right there, and I was almost thinking layout for it.

But with when you've got Olivetti coming in, you've got a a base runner all come in the same spot.

That could have been a head on glitch.

I'm telling you right now this could have been bad.

This could have been really bad and I understand you wanna die for baseball at the same time you run at full speed towards it?

You look up and you got another guy running full speed right out.

You live for another day.

There you go.

O2's account runner goes and that's gonna hit him?

You could kind of see it almost looked like a little bit of a delayed steel, and then he just took off once salvetti got into his motion and I I I think Gavin may have gotten a little distracted right there with the runner taking off and he plunks a guy 02.

So now Ashdown heads back to the top of the line up with Alex Gilbaugh Kelbaugh today, walked back in the first inning they got a base hit to right field in the third.

Now, Harding Academy still got three at bats left, but this is a big moment for Ashdown, the way that both of these pitchers are performing so far two runs, especially with 9 outs to go.

He knows this is a big moment and Gavin wants to talk it over.

There's nobody in the Harding Academy bullpen right now.

And it looks like they're gonna have another meeting on the mound.

And I think they recognize it too.

You know, you wonder RJ you were reading a couple of those ball games that Harding Academy has been through.

They've been blowout victories.

Yeah, that Wildcats have just been dominating.

They've been dominant for a while now.

They have not been in this situation quite frankly in quite a while.

How do you respond and they beat Boonville 10 to nothing?

CAC 10 to nothing and then Paris nine to two in the state tournament.

I mean, it's just it's just a different kind of pressure when you're rolling along like that, you see it sometimes in baseball where you hit that adversity at the toughest time and you're in a state championship ball game and all of a sudden you're in a dogfight.

Well, you know they they saw this Ashdown team last year in the state tournament in the semis.

Show Bunt tries to get it down.

The third baseline was kiebach and he fouled it off.

We're gonna see some action over in the Wildcat bullpen.

As.

Getting ready and getting loose is Cam Hoover.

New one or two of that mountain visit wasn't also to settle some nerves, but also by your bullpen.

A little bit of time.

Here's the one that's a fastball athanese called the strike owing.

2 You know I was looking at the roster for Harding Academy.

They've almost got a football team on their baseball team.

They and when they got off the bus, it was just one guy after another.

They just kept rolling out of there.

You almost wonder if this squad is on the football team.

And yeah, obviously that football squad is well known for winning multiple state championships.

They've done a great job in Searcy.

Here's the O2 curve ball and there strike three 7th strikeout for Gavin L Vetty.

Now that's how you respond.

You had a guy O2 lasted that you plunk him?

You're frustrated.

You think you're gonna give up a stolen base?

And what do you do?

You step up and you strike out a guy on 3 pitches.

So now Jackson Jester comes up.

He got hit by a pitch in the third, struck out in the first and he's got two on with one out.

Here on the top of the fifth inning.

See that mountain visit paying off already for elvedi.

There's the fastball, and they're called a strike.

I wonder now with just one out if Ashdown would be again tempted to bunt, but it looks like they're gonna let their guys swing away.

Well, you know, gesture bats 459 with seven home runs this year, I'd let him swing away.

Yeah, that's swung on and fouled off.

I think he's going to have the green line checks the numbers hits 459 now.

Swing away, buddy.

And again, to kind of a similar situation that we saw ash down in earlier, a couple of runners on there were two outs then, but any soft contact make the defense work.

Here's the O2 curveball and there's strike 3/8 strikeouts now for all Betty.

I can't tell you how impressive that is.

The lineup turns over with two guys on nobody out and he gets Ashdown's maybe two best hitters on this ballclub, looking at strike three.

So now Derek Hilton, the left fielders up struck out back in the 1st and then had an RBI single to left field back in the 3rd.

And he'll pop one on the infield.

It goes foul.

And if I'll bet he's able to get out of this too, a couple of runners on with nobody out.

You got 123 up.

If he can get out of this, that would be such a huge role.

Minimum swing in this ball game, and maybe ignite that powerful Harding Academy offense.

It was wonder if that mound visit that he had just said go get up there and throw it.

You got a defense is pretty good as.

It was outside with at that time because.

He hasn't really focused much on the runners since that mountain business visit.

They've just really focused on the batter.

You could tell it was distracting him a little bit and again, you just gotta focus.

You gotta go one, you know it's a coaching cliche one game at a time.

One batter at a time here.

That's swung on and missed.

It's one and two.

His stuff is just so nasty when he's on.

He is absolutely on and now if you're Ashdown you wanted to take advantage of this moment.

But again, Derek Hilton stepped up in a big way, an RBI single early in the ball game and he would love to make it too.

One ball 2 strikes.

Runners go curveball high, they're just gonna let everybody go.

So there you go.

Double steel.

You just said it RJ 2 he's not focusing on those runners as much now.

The grand scheme of things even get one more strike, not the end of the world.

But now you're not only looking at an RBI for Hilton, you can drive in a couple of runs and really put the pressure on Harding Academy.

So deuces are wild here in the top of the fifth, and they're trying to catch everybody's sleeping and got him at home plate.

You saw it.

I thought he boxed for half a second, but what composure by Elveda he sees the runner going draws attention and delivers a strike, and Ashdown runs out of an opportunity.

Well, you know, and if you watched out Betty, every time he gets ready, he puts his head and looks towards the ground for a moment and they tried to catch him right there and throw him off.

So either way, we head to the bottom of the fifth inning where Ashdown leads at 2 nothing.

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Well, building has been a really good thing today on really both sides, but Ashdown's done a great job of having things hit right to him.

I mean they they haven't had to work really that hard.

It's been balls that have been hit right at him as this one not at him.

It's a base hit into left field and that was by Harding Academy's.

Cooper Welch.

Well, you said it.

That's a great piece of hitting by Cooper Welch.

Alex Kiebach has done such a great job at getting ahead of these Harding Academy hitters and pitching to contact and he pitched the contact on that when it was just wrote down the left field line.

So now Dan Henley, the left fielder, is up.

He grounded to the first baseman back in the second inning.

First pitch is swung on and nice play by the first pitch.

First base coach.

Get him a glove.

We talked about how good the defense has been.

Put that on a highlight hinley or excuse me the first base coach just was able to keep his backside down and and get the ball pulled in.

No glove at all.

That would swap out the second base and it's booted.

So Henley's on because of an error by the 2nd baseman.

And now Eli Wallace comes to the plate.

Boy, that's one of those situations.

Kulbach turned around, he thought he had a tailor made double play instead, it's just booted.

You're right, RJ kicked off of the foot, and that's that's tough going to your left in a hurry.

You think you got a twin killing and instead it's going to be an error on Ashdown and now?

Keelback is really gotta work to keep this lead for Ashdown.

Eli Wallace is at the plate with runners at 1st and 2nd that Swan lifted her right field base hit and they're going to hold the runner at 3rd and bases will be loaded for Harding Academy here in the 5th inning.

You know, RJ just kind of felt like a matter of time.

We talked about how good this Harding Academy offense is.

They've been down all afternoon.

Just three of 16 prior to that.

Now four for 17 at the DISH and.

Now we're going to have a conversation with the Panthers, as Harding Academy tries to get back in this game.

And here's the thing.

They're doing this with the bottom half of their lineup.

I mean, these are the 678 hitters now.

The 9th hitter that are getting these base hits.

It's really impressive and it just goes to show you the depth that they have to hinley takes care of business and then Wallace, and now Baker and I. I think this is a conversation that look you don't got to strike everybody out here.

Don't try to protect everything but.

Do what you've been doing.

Your pitch counts still low.

I understand the guys have gotten a couple of base hits off of you, but don't change your game plan.

Get your ground ball.

See if you can turn to and keep it at a 2 to one run ball game.

So now Isaac Baker comes to the plate.

That's swung on and missed.

Start the countdown, one that's a guy just trying to join the party you've seen base hit after base hit right now and just a little overanxious from Baker.

And that ones.

Swan and missed and I went too quickly.

Gotta protect if you're Baker.

The worst case scenario right here is if you're Harding is if you get a strike out and then allow this defense to back up.

They've ashdown's actually got their first and third baseman pulled in so they're not surrendering a run just yet.

As I don't want as the ball.

Bring the count to one and two.

Kind of a situation you always dream of playing baseball bases loaded.

Nobody else in the state championship game.

One ball, 2 strikes swung on out to second base.

They flip it to 2nd and try to get the double play.

They get one out, one run scores and that's a great job by Baker doing your job.

Don't strike out in that situation.

Make contact, get it in the field of play and he does a great job to not only drive in a run but also beat out the throw to stop the double play and now the tying run just 90 feet away.

So now back to the top of the lineup with Kyler Hoover with runners at 1st and 3rd.

Not sure to happen with Baker on there.

He's a heading to the dugout.

But that's changing equipment.

Or if we're if maybe he was injured on that plane, maybe I think they're getting a pinch runner, but yeah, it looks like they're gonna get a pinch runner to come in and run and coming in for Harding Academy will be Jack Kitty.

Excuse me, Jack City.

So City will be at first base.

Here's your number 5 Jack city.

That's a great name.

So cities at first and then you've got Henley over at 3rd.

With Tyler Hoover at.

The plate with one out.

Add swung on, chopped out to short.

They go over to second back over to 1st.

It's no good and the tying run has come across the bag and if your kill back you did exactly what you needed to do you got a couple of ground balls but what a great job by Harding Academy again doesn't have to be a home run.

You put it in play and another example of great hustle by the Wildcats and all of a sudden we got a tie ball game at the bottom of the fifth.

So now Kate Smith is up.

He's over 2 on the day.

Just kind of felt destined that this game wouldn't remain true enough and it would somehow get tied.

These teams are just so good.

It's now kill.

Bach is got a couple of outs and he's got a chance to get out of here with the tie ball game.

So far, Harding Academy two runs on four hits.

Curveball up top.

One in one.

This is a big moment for Smith, too.

You've you've seen your guys keep the line moving, driving in a couple of runs on some fielders choices.

Smith would love to deliver.

There's the two old caught the outside.

Bring it two and one.

I love that 2O pitch too.

It's on the outside corner.

I know 2O you.

You wanna get a strike you don't wanna go down 30 but that's that's a tough pitch for a hitter to lay off and he did.

We're over to 1st just to keep him safe.

There's a curve while it's found back.

Nor J 222 count.

It would not surprise me at all to see.

Hoover take off here on a 22 count just to apply a little bit more pressure on kill back in always so tough to run on those lefties.

But he's got really nice lead.

Here's the two two pitch.

It hits the dirt.

Runner stays at first.

You know, I was looking through all the.

Offers I want to thank.

Mark Mcfatridge for helping me out with this but.

Looking at guys going to play at the next level for Harding Academy, you've got all Betty who's going to Connors State in Oklahoma.

But Kate Smith's going to Arkansas.

Exciting, yeah, as a pitcher and shortstop.

It's gonna be fun to see him in Fayetteville.

Obviously Arkansas got a big ball game this afternoon, a chance to win the SEC West taking on Alabama, and for the first time and maybe the history of the state, everyone rooting for Ole Miss this afternoon.

Here's the three two pitch.

And that's curveball.

It gets away, and that's going to be a walk, so that'll send Tyler Hoover.

The second base and Kate Smith is headed to 1st.

And that's one of those situations too.

You could tell Kiebach didn't feel 100% comfortable.

Hoover's got a lot of speed dancing a little bit over at first base and and I think that threw off his rhythm just a little bit.

Now all of a sudden, Harding Academy is a base hit away from taking a lead.

Now Vetti is gonna be at the plate.

He had a double back in the first inning.

Swan, and fouled off.

Wouldn't it be just poetic justice right here of Halveti can help himself out?

Yeah, to take a lead.

Here's the 01 curveball.

Swan and Miss Boy he.

He sat back on that one at the very last moment.

Pulled the trigger.

I thought he was gonna drive it to right field.

There was a little bit outside.

He waited on it too.

RJ, you said it.

Just missed it now.

Alex in the driver seat.

No balls, two strikes.

We're on the bottom of the fifth inning.

Here's the pitch outside.

That's now one and two.

1/2's on the way that swung on ripped out the left field.

That'll be in for a base hit.

They're gonna send him home the throw home the slide he's safe.

Harding Academy takes the lead and how about the man the myth the legend Gavin Alveda he has been battling looked great early in this ball game gives up a couple of singles.

Ashdown takes the lead and then what am I gonna do?

I'm going to give myself the lead back with an RBI out RBI out to left field and you can see the Harding Academy faithful they're fired.

So now Levi Lang is at the plate.

He's one for two on the day at a base hit out to left field in the 4th.

That's a called strike on the outside corner.

You just knew for the longest time that this offense was not gonna stay dormant.

They've hit so many home runs and not doing with the long ball today, but just timely hitting, taking care of business and no better example than that lasted bat.

Here's the one up high one in one.

Two outs here in the bottom of the fifth inning, and Harding Academies put up a three spot.

Here's the 11 perpall a little high.

Well, that's what you gotta remind yourself.

If you're Alex Kiebach right now, you're one pitch away from getting out of here.

It's only a one run ball game.

You've still got a couple of opportunities to get back in this thing.

Just settle in and make your pitch.

21 swung on and missed.

Now two and two.

Yeah, you saw the big fella, Levi Lang.

He wanted to make it.

He wanted to make it a four run ball game with one swing.

22 outside full.

Now they're gonna get a head start.

You gotta be smart here.

Here's the three, two up, high and now we've got bases loaded.

It's a really nice job there by Levi Lang.

He's a veteran.

He understands these big time moments where he can take a pitch high.

Let the next guy do his job and now you've got Chris Anderson who can really do some damage regarding the Academy Anderson today.

Is.

Oh for two.

Excuse me, Oprah one.

He had a fielder's choice back in the 4th.

And it looks as if we're going to have a.

Pinch runner at second base coming in for Harding.

Academy is going to be.

Kane and Harris now excuse me, that looks like going out to 3rd will be.

Gavin elvett's gonna be at second base.

Harris will be at 3rd.

So he'll be a pinch runner at third base.

14 killing Harris Ashdown crowd was just about 2025 minutes ago and now on the right side of the stadium.

You can tell the Ashdown faithful, very nervous.

You can almost hear a pin drop on the right side, but again.

Kill back only one pitch away.

Bases loaded any base.

Settle in and see if you can get out of it.

Chris Anderson at the plate now as he'll take a first pitch strike.

This is the 9th batter of the inning for Harding Academy.

Curveballs up top.

I don't want in one.

Here's the 11 swung on.

Looked at the center fee or at the back of second base.

They get the 4th and 2nd and so more.

No more damage.

I thought that Ball was a little bit farther, but it just right behind the bag and that's going to do it for the bottom of the fifth inning.

Three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning for Harding Academy.

They take the lead 3/2 you're watching this Centennial Bank State baseball championships on Arkansas.

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Let me take you for a ride on the baseline.

Let's take a look at the scoring from the third inning right here for Ashdown.

This is all the scoring that they got going.

Then we go to the 5th where all the Harding Academy scoring got took place.

It was hit after hit after hit and scored three runs in the fifth inning and we've got a three to two ball game between Harding Academy and Ashdown and new pitcher in the ball game for Harding Academy.

It will be Kate Smith who is now pitching for the Wildcats.

You know RJ, we talked about him a little bit earlier.

He can do it with the bat and also this is your guy.

You've got 6 outs now and all of a sudden you think you're in trouble.

Your offense picks you up and then you completely flip the script.

You're 6 outs away from back to back State championship, but we know how deadly this Ashdown lineup can be.

And Smith he's been special for this Harding Academy squad all season long.

Obviously he's going to go on to do bigger and better things, but he would love nothing more than to get the final six out of this.

Ball game and if you're Ashdown you gotta remember you got out of a big jam that last inning only down one run.

This offense has done it before.

It's gonna be a good finish.

So Kate Smith you know we talked about Al Bettys numbers whenever he was in the game.

Had a 1.30 ERA.

Kate Smith comes in with a .7 ERA with 44K and five walks this year.

How do you like that ratio?

You know Kate Smith, also a football player for this Harding Academy team.

And leading things off for Ashdown will be.

Cleaning off the left fielder, Derek Hilton, getting Hilton, probably feeling a little rob too.

Ashdown tried to sneak a run in on Halveti got thrown out trying to steal home.

So now.

Hillary set and see if he can get a rally going for the Panthers.

First pitch is a fastball at 86 miles an hour on the outside half.

Can hear the order coming up for Ashdown, you're 345 hitters.

These guys very capable of doing some damage, but.

It's time for the Panthers if they can get something going.

Ohh one at 87.

Going two now.

Two's on the way.

It's a curveball in the dirt.

Now one and two.

It's a nice job there, right?

Too?

By Hilton, you know you're gonna get something nasty.

It's in the dirt.

No one understanding the situation too, not to chase.

Give yourself another chance.

One ball 2 strikes.

And that one sails high.

It's now two and two.

I understand right there by Smith you're kind of testing a fastball.

You want a high fastball.

It's one of those non competitive pitches out of the out of the hand of Smith.

Hilton knows that it's it's nowhere close to now.

He's even at the count.

We'll see what he can do.

22 playing no good.

It's now three and two.

You can hear the hearing Academy faithful really wanting that strike three at pitch looked to be just a little bit off the plate, but that's a great eye by Hilton on the outside corner.

3 Twos found back.

3 Twos right back Smith.

It bounces off the bag and the throw is not made.

Nice job by the 2nd baseman trying to back him up, but either way it's going to be a base hit for Derek Hilton.

Yeah, second base hit for Hilton and how about that for being rewarded?

You get down 02 quickly.

You battle back.

You really, really work.

That zone and all of a sudden you get rewarded with a base hit right off the bag.

And as we talked about it, RJ Ashdown, not going to go away, quietly tying runs on first base.

So now Caleb Blankenship.

The catcher comes to the plate.

He's one for two on the day.

That's a ball up high and I like this too.

Some folks, you say a bunch your guy over getting to second base with one out.

I love trusting your 4 hole hitter 2 and you've thrown some numbers out already.

RJ Caleb has been really good this season.

Blankenship, a phenomenal hitter.

And as I say that he attempts a bunt.

Adam and so that's the first out here in the inn.

And now break welcomes to walk comes to the plate.

Excuse me, it's.

He's over 2 on the day.

Yeah Blankenship's gonna be kicking himself on that one.

I know he's frustrated.

You wanna get that guy over and?

Now Ashdown gonna rely see if Walton can get it done.

Aspal misses high.

That's a pie as well, tuna?

Goodbye here by Walton too.

Got to be patient you know how you know that Smith wants to speed up that delivery?

Get a ground ball.

Maybe get out of here with a double play, but.

Here in the driver's seat.

If your wall be selected.

There is a swinging a miss.

It's now two and one.

It's a good decision to cut out it too, but that's just.

My best beating your best Schmidt.

Delivering a strike right down the pipe and and that had some heat.

Here's the two.

One up high three in one.

Smith just having a little bit of trouble with this command, he got a quick out early, took care of business on that bunt, but.

Command just looks a little bit off too.

Maybe the juice is the nerves flowing just a little bit and then state championship ball game that's swung on.

Lift it out to right field going back to the warning track is.

Jade willi.

He'll collect the second out when he gave that that ball of charge, didn't he RJ?

It?

Sounded like a Homer right off the bat.

He made a great swing on it.

The entire Ashdown section stood up.

They thought it was gone.

That's great power, but comes up just a little bit short.

I think he thought it was gone right off the bat.

So now Walt Jones comes to the plate.

He's over 2 on the day.

What a huge momentum swing in that.

Just that.

We talked about the dimensions of this ballpark through the wind blowing to the left just a little bit, man.

Just a killer if you're Ashdown's.

First pitch is called a strike.

Here's the one that's popped up back behind the catcher.

Aren't doing too.

You've seen Walt Jones, do it all afternoon or morning, rather, not only.

It's only 1126 this morning, he's done it all morning.

He's been so good defensively and shortstop made a couple of great plays.

You know he would love to do something big for the Panthers with the bat.

Here's the O2 curveball up high.

Now one and two.

And I've loved what I'm seeing from Smith's fastball so far.

He can bring it.

I I I want to challenge challenge Jones if I'm here, see if you can hit my fastball.

Here it is.

One ball, 2 strikes swung on in the left field.

Base hit now you've got runners at 1st and 2nd for Ashtown.

Well, he challenged him alright and Jones is up to the challenge.

A great swing on that ball right over the middle of the plate takes it into left field.

And as we said it, both of these teams are just so good.

Offenses have been able to pick each other up all season long and now Ashdown with again.

I know there's two outs with a great opportunity to tie this baseball game up.

So now you've got runners at 1st and 2nd with Leland Garrett at the plate who's owed for two on the day.

No pressure Leland as you step in a couple of outs and this is such a big moment too.

Kind of situations where you just hoping that get something through.

We've already seen some soft singles pay off for Ashdown.

We'll see if it can happen again.

There's a pass ball called a strike.

By the way, I don't know if I mentioned a minute ago, but the new catcher today for Hardy Academy is Gavin Elvedi.

Well, there you go.

You go from throwing them now, calling signals and sending them in and and this Harding Academy defensive alignment you saw it earlier had bit him when a soft single went into the right field and scored a run for Ashdown.

They're not holding the runners on from the second basement.

Here's the old one.

It's swan and missed quickly.

It's Owen 2.

You just wonder what's going through the mind of both of these guys and O2 count.

Garrett, trying to protect Smith trying to get out of here and put Harding Academy within 3 outs of a state championship title.

No balls two strikes.

Fastballs, chopped high over third base, and.

It is foul.

At third base now is Levi Lang, who's been playing second base.

And a whole group of folks coming in as Cam hoovers at second banks.

What a joy that's got to be for Harding Academy just to be able to just.

It's like just plug them in.

Sure yeah.

Here's the O2 Swan ball.

Hit the turf and we'll throw down for the third out.

So Ashdown sends 5 to the plane they can't scratch across the run as they leave two on the bags we head to the bottom of the sixth inning.

We're Harding Academy leads Ashdown, three to two.

You're watching the Centennial Bank State Baseball championships on Arkansas.

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We gotta go.

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Go down, download that app as well.

I keep plugging that app.

It's a great app.

I use it all the time.

Did you get the blueberry we talked about yesterday and I haven't still haven't got on blueberry yet.

Oh man, we got a kid.

I've been home to see my kid.

We've been doing baseball week.

People have been calling baseball.

I mean, I'm talking in between games.

I'm not gonna watch blueberry by myself.

I mean, that's I'm saving it for my kid.

As the first pitch.

To.

Cooper Welch is in the dirt.

Man, you just know Harding Academy would love to add a little insurance.

That's that's a big ask of Smith to go out there and get 3 outs on a one run lead but.

Harding Academy's offense can get it done early.

2 balls, no strikes.

We're in the bottom of the sixth inning.

That helps out the catchers glove.

It's now three and oh, and I think if he catches it two, it's a strike.

She's kind of on that inside corner.

Bounce off the inside of the glove and.

Al Killock's gotta go to work.

Here's the three O pitch and that's download four straight balls to Cooper Welch.

You know we talked about it in baseball a lot.

RJ those leadoff walks, it seems like they always come back to haunt you.

I know Ashdown's hoping that's not the case, but if you're hurting Academy, you would love to take advantage.

So you here.

I got some knowledge for you ready.

I'm ready.

Sick in in the history of baseball, this is all love.

60% of the time when you have a leadoff walk, they come around to score.

60% of the time in all of baseball, all of baseball.

Whether it be this majors college, whatever, 60% of the time a leadoff walk.

Turns into Iran.

It feels like 90% when you're watching feels like.

How do I know that I don't I?

It's just one of those numbers you're telling me 60% of the time it works every time.

I mean like it's one of those numbers that you always get like 1 stat.

That always sticks in your head and that's what it is.

Hey, let's we've got a new picture on the mountain for Ashdown.

We'll take a break when we come back.

We will have that new pictures you're watching.

The Centennial Bank State Baseball championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

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Well, our new pitcher is Derek Hilton who comes in and he's pitched 30 innings as a four in one record with a 3.26 ERA.

Set 36 strikeouts.

24 walks this year and he's been playing left field all day so you had a Little Mix up in the outfield as Alex Kilbaha went to center field and then Brayden Walton went to left field and so that's the mix up and so now you've got Derek Hilton pitching and he will go up against Dan Henley the left fielder we just talked about.

How Harding Academy can plug these guys anywhere?

Ashdown doing something similar in Hilton's been able to do it with the bat with a couple of hits and he had that clutch RBI out to left field now.

He's gonna try and keep this a one run ball game.

He'll show bunt.

Pulled back by Hilton.

Excuse me, Henley, and so it's wanna know.

Just on her way here in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Shows Bonnington Ball gets away from the catcher and that'll send welts to second base on a passed ball.

Yeah, that's a tough break.

For Hilton, you know, Harding Academy trying to lay down a bunt to get the guy over?

He's giving you an out and instead.

The pitch gets away and all the sudden Harding Academies got that much needed insurance run 90 feet closer.

2 balls, no strikes.

That's Swan right back at the pitcher.

He'll throw the first spring was overthrown.

He kind of rushed it, and now there's runners at 1st and 3rd.

Yeah, just one of those situations where if you're Hilton you got to know you got time, you understand a little bit of a high throw over to first base.

I thought he had a chance to maybe get Welch if he took off the third with a pump.

Fake but instead.

Just sort of rush that throw.

It's kind of step and throw and so now Eli Wallace.

We had a base hit back in the 5th inning.

They'll step in with runners at 1st and 3rd.

Well, this is it.

If you're heading Academy.

This is a golden opportunity to really.

Take control of this baseball game.

Here's a curveball at 79 starting off Owen one.

Again, if you're Wallace here, your job is to get that runner home no matter how you do it.

Get you a sack, fly, put it in play.

Get him home.

Ohh ones, a curveball that misses low and it's one in one.

Got a zero in here?

If you're Hilton, try to ignore the runners.

I know it's hard to do focus.

One one is download again, it's two and one.

He's making his catcher work, didn't he?

Well, you know he he's cut, he comes in from the outfield and and I understand that he's just not one to give up a big hit trying to keep it low in the zone but.

All of his offspeed stuff.

It just keeps hitting the turf.

That's swung on, lifted out to right field, and that's gonna bang off the wall and the foul territory, and I think that's why he didn't want to keep it up.

Absolutely, I understand keep it low, keep it low too.

And I'm I'm yelling at right field too, even if it's playable.

Don't catch it, don't catch it if it's foul, let it go foul.

See if you can get a strike out because that would have been an automatic run.

Absolutely don't catch it.

There's a playoff baseball game.

I remember not too long ago, maybe 10-15 years ago with the Braves.

In a situation where they were almost walked off on because the right fielder caught it, and instead he let it drop foul.

Yeah, here's the two two that's in the dirt ball gets away from the catcher and it'll score run.

Wild pitch to score the run.

Now we'll bring Welch, home, and Henley all had the second base.

It's just a tough break for Hilton.

We've talked about it too.

You gotta trust that off speed that breaking ball.

You gotta know that it's gonna get blocked and everybody did the right thing.

That's just a tough hop.

And Harding Academy gets that big insurance run.

And now if you're the Wildcats, you are feeling it.

Eli Wallace is at the plate for Harding Academy.

That's swung on and missed and there's an out.

It's a big time pitch too.

You just if you're Ashdown you wish it happened just one pitch earlier, but instead it's a nice strikeout for Hilton, and now again, just a two run ball game, your offense has got a chance here on the 7th inning, but.

Desperately need to keep it here.

Isaac Baker's at the plate now.

He's home for two on the day.

As the first pitch hits the turf.

You know he's aiming right now rather than just throwing the baseball he.

Trying to keep it low in the zone so that they don't tee off on him, but.

He's just gonna get up there and throw.

That's the whole thing too.

And what a tough situation to come into.

You come in.

You got a runner on first.

You're trying to keep this a one run ball game and there's that breaking ball going exactly where he wanted it to, but.

It it's just such a tough situation to enter and you're trying to keep this again.

Two to three and just a couple of pitches.

Again, you're right, he's he's aiming.

11 down low and it's two in one that's not a bad pitch right there too over the plate.

Good drop little.

Deceiving and now we'll see if Cam Hoover can drive in another run for the Wildcats.

21 swung on, chopped out the second gloves.

It throws the 1st 2 ounce.

Nice job by Hoover doing his job getting the runner over.

I know you love a base hit but not a bad and bad at all for the freshman who comes in.

And now I I think this is such a dire situation.

Two runs if you're asked down, you're feeling OK if you go down three runs with three outs to go, that's that's a big mountain to climb.

So Kyler Hoover's at the plate and he got on because of a fielder's choice in the 5th.

But other than that he's over 2 and.

Up top for ball one.

One ball, no strikes.

That one hits the turf, good stop.

2O's on the way that's swung on out to short.

He gloves it.

And Jones throws it over for the third out.

So Harding Academy is able to scratch across one run in the inning as they lead it four to two.

Ashdown has got a scratch two runs in the top of the seventh, trying to keep their state title hopes alive.

You're watching the Centennial Bank State baseball championships in Arkansas.

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Well, we're in the top of the 7th inning as Ashdown will send their 891 hitters to the plate.

Spencer Patterson, Landon Row, and Alex gilbaugh.

As they've got a scratch across two runs in the top of the 7th inning or Harding Academy will be state champions.

That's the whole thing too.

Just keep the line moving.

I know this is a pressure situation.

You can't tie this ball game up with one swing.

You gotta do whatever you can.

If you're landing Rd to find a way to get on base.

Again, Smith, who we know has got speed, he's got great power in that right arm.

Been a little erratic at times, so if you're Ashdown, be patient, take advantage and see if you can get the tying run on so Spencer Patterson's at the plane had a base hit back in the third inning as he'll swing and missed the first one he sees that great fastball there from.

And it's not messing around.

He would love back to back state titles.

01 pitch curveball in there called strike two.

The hitter, I mean, what do you do, man?

He get a fastball.

He's on the outside corner.

He tried to take advantage of and then he slows it down with a beautiful curveball and all of a sudden Smith, the head Owen too.

O2 on the way up top one and two.

There's the 1/2 that's swung on and found out of play.

It's a great job there to found that off I. I think he was fooled a little bit by that off speed pitch, but he's able to keep his hands back and it was going to be strike three foul it off and live to fight another day.

Spencer Patterson at the plate.

That's one and two we're in the top of the 7th inning.

And this is outside it's two and two or that Harding Academy fan base was ready to erupt on a strike.

Three call, but that's a that's a good eye by Patterson.

Clearly, outside now he's evened up the count again.

Just keep battling.

Find a way to get on base if you're Ashdown.

Here's the two two that's willing to miss.

That's just power right there.

From Kate Smith, a beautiful outside fastball.

It's the exact same pitch you got him to swing on to start the at bat and he just asked.

He said OK power versus power if you can beat it, go for it and Smith wins the battle.

In Rome.

So Landon Rowe.

Is now at the plate.

We'll take a fastball inside of 86 miles an hour for a strike.

You know row frustrated with himself on that inside fastball.

He didn't take a hack at it, but I don't.

I don't mind taking, you know, feel comfortable.

See what you can do.

Here's the O.

One pitch that misses loan outside.

It's one in one.

It's a really nice try though.

By Smith you go to that outside corner, see if you can get the call.

Mixing up his pitches a little bit.

Here's the one, one that hits the turf.

Here's an interesting step for you.

Farting were to win this.

They will be 6 and six in state title games.

Ashton will be owed four title games.

I know that's just it's one of those situations too.

It almost.

You kind of feel like our Cowboys a little bit.

You kind of feel like the bills, on the other hand.

Yeah, here's the 22.

Yeah, I know, I mean.

We're only down by two that being Ashdown.

Find a way to get on.

That's up top laid off.

It's now three and two.

Yeah, Ashdown has been in the championship game in 04, 2014, 2016 and now this year.

Such a great historic program in South Arkansas and.

We all know the success in the history of Harding Academy.

Now Smith, right here I think just pure power 3/2 is gonna be called strike three on the outside.

He knew he'd go back to that fastball.

It's worked for him in the first couple of at bats and that's just a great job putting it exactly where it had to be.

By Kate Smith and Nell Harding Academy.

One out away from going back to back.

So Alex Kelbaugh is the leadoff man.

They're back to the top of the order and.

He's had a babysitter already today.

That'll be inside for ball one.

Kill box too.

I know he's gonna be frustrated at the end of the day with his pitching performance, but he was outstanding.

He did exactly what he had to do.

He slowed down this Harding Academy lineup he should be proud of himself after this one.

Here's the 10.

That's up high.

It's two and oh.

Here's the two old pits caught the outside corner.

Now two and one.

I'll still give and take right there.

I think in another circumstances where there's not 2 outs in the state championship ball game final ending.

I think he's hacking, but.

You just gotta find a way to get on if you're rushed down.

2 ones on the way that's swung on and found out a plane.

Boy, how fast is that heart beating?

If you were Kate Smith on the mound now one strike away.

God has settled the nerves and get that last out.

You think he goes with the fastball on the outside too?

It's been power.

It's been great so far.

If he can hit his mark I I think he's going fastball all the way.

Here's the two two pitch.

That's up top.

He went with the fastball.

Now you've got a full count.

Yeah, a little you can tell he's fired up on that one wanted to hit his target through it.

Maybe a little harder than he wanted to, but.

How about this full count?

We'll see what happens.

Here's the pitch that's swung on, popped up into foul territory.

Third baseman comes over.

He gets it hunting.

Academy wins the state championship.

You know, RJ, it's just championship DNA.

You see the Harding Academy fans standing, the dog pilots the best part of the season to see these kids be able to celebrate and have some fun.

And at the same time you feel for that Ashdale Panther squad.

They played the perfect recipe to beat this Harding Academy squad came up just two runs short, but Ashdown nothing to be ashamed of.

They they played their hearts out.

This is a great baseball game.

Yeah they it really was.

Both teams finished with five hits in the ball game.

Except for Harding Academy just had two more runs.

They went at four to two.

We will recap this entire thing.

Go over the trophy ceremony and everything as you're watching the Centennial Bank State baseball championships in Arkansas.

PBS sports.

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There's your champs, Harding Academy.

They went back to back state championships and are the Champions of Class 3A man.

Look at that Ashdown team, they they gave it their all and they have nothing to hang their head about.

Says they they.

I mean think about this.

They they were leading this ball game in the 3rd inning.

2 Nothing and looked honestly like the better team throughout.

Probably the 1st 4 innings of this game they did.

It was just one bad inning just to touch bottom of the fifth inning where you know it just all.

Traveled a little bit, but I thought this was an excellent pitching performance by both squads.

Killpack was outstanding.

I know he's gonna be frustrated with the end result, but that Ashdown squad they did everything they had to do to and what many eyes would be pulling upset over Harding Academy and they should drive back down to South Arkansas with a lot of pride because they played a great baseball game.

Well the Champions get their trophy.

Let's go over some final stats in this one has kill back for Ashdown.

Went one for three with an RBI.

Derek Hilton was finished the game.

2 for three with an RBI and that was their two runs that they scored for Harding Academy.

Leading the way was Gavin Alvey, who went two for three with an RBI.

Yet Tyler Hoover was over 4 but he did have an RBI in the ball game and then Isaac Baker also had the other RBI on the pitching stats.

Alex Calbeck went five innings, gave up five hits, four runs, three walks and had no strikeouts.

Derek Hilton went one inning, had one strikeout.

For Ashdown, for Harding Academy, Gavin Alberty went five innings, gave him three hits, two runs, one walk in nine strikeouts, while Kate Smith came in and got two innings work, two hits and had three strikeouts as he faced 8 batters.

Winning pitcher was Gavin Elvedi, and really, it was a quick game, an hour and 45 minutes for this ball game.

Final thoughts.

Really well pitched ball game.

You see the MVP right there.

Alveda, he did it all.

RJ pitched, he hit he.

He finished the game as the catcher.

Still got some of the knee pads on but it was outstanding and Harding Academy it's that championship DNA that we all know and they go back to back and they take another title back to Searcy.

Well, that's gonna wrap things up for baseball and coming up next, we've got softball action over here right behind us.

It's the three a softball game going on between Ashdown and Atkins so all the folks that are here for Ashdown, they'll just walk across and go watch the softball game, but you can watch all those games right here on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

It's the three.

The softball game between Atkins and Ashdown was a fun one over here at the baseball complex.

As you're 3A, champions are the Harding Academy Wildcats.

For back to back seasons as they win at 4:00 to 2:00 for Hayden Ball gave you I'm RJ Hawk, you're watching the Centennial Bank State Baseball championships on Arkansas.

PBS sports.