Off final.

Welcome to Majestic Park in the Spa City hot Springs for the final state championship game of this three day coverage.

It's going to be the five day matchup the Benton Lady Panthers and the Farmington Lady Cardinals.

Good evening everyone along with Bobby Swofford.

I'm Michael Westbrook.

A fun matchup to wrap up three days here in Hot Springs the five day softball championship.

And Bobby we know that this one's going to be one in the circle.

You expect good pitching when you get to this level?

Well anytime you get to this point of the season you have to have good pitching.

But you also have to be able to find ways to win games in different fashion.

Farmington's won two games by a single run in the state tournament.

Benton hasn't given up a single run in this state tournament.

It's been impressive on both sides.

Two very good teams.

Let's take a look at our players to watch.

Yeah.

Starting with Benton.

In the circle, as you mentioned at Rexy Crane.

How about 136 innings pitched?

All she's done is strikeout 176 batters, an earned run average of 0.6.

That means she's given up less than a run per game any time she steps on to the field.

So she's going to be a big key if Benton is going to be successful to deal with.

But they also have to play defense behind her, finding ways to play defense and do it efficiently can't give up extra base runners to Farmington, their coach said that was one of the biggest reasons that they did not give up a single run here in this state tournament.

And then how about on the other side for Farmington?

It's a freshman.

What a record she has this year.

Yeah we talk about pressure moments.

You always want to look to the experience.

Maybe the seniors.

Farmington's got a freshman in the circle and all she's done is take this five day competition and chew it up and spit it out.

17 and one overall on the year.

An ERA of 1.09 121 strikeouts.

Big reason why Farmington is playing for a state championship, but they've got to find a way to manufacture runs against such a good pitcher in Rexy Crane.

Benton hasn't given up on a run in this entire tournament, the first one that Farmington can scratch across.

Maybe that puts a chink in the armor and puts it a little doubt in the favorite.

Well, a few of the championship games have had to battle weather, but it looks like we're all clear for tonight.

Perfect skies, 74 degrees.

First pitch is coming up in just a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV.

Sports.

This broadcast is underwritten in part by.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms, and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member owned and work together to serve Arkansans.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas proudly support high school students and athletics in Arkansas, and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas TV, sports.

Better connected together.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas UAMs is a proud supporter of Arkansas sports.

You earn us help.

Provide support the tech and sports medicine cure across Arkansas.

Supporting athletes and teams throughout the state.

Find out more UAMs health.com.

Centennial Bank supports communities across Arkansas and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 Bank.

Com.

Everett Buick GMC provides vehicles to Arkansans and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports.

More at Everett BJ Nme.com.

For over 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has offered coverage for automobiles, homes, farms and lives across Arkansas.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association.

More at AFB, Icom.

Just about ready for first pitch in the five A state championship.

Both teams number one seeds.

A coin flip has Benton as the visitor.

And here is their lineup leading up.

KB marks the sophomore.

Laken Griffin, a junior, hits second.

Peyton Stewart to catcher will bat third.

It is Audrey Diaz.

Ivana will bat in the cleanup spot.

Acey Lackey hitting fifth.

Easy.

Morrow batting sixth.

Corbin Keen hitting at seventh.

London Burrow.

And it is Aubrey Jackson rounding out the batting order.

And of course, we already told you about Rexy.

Crane will be on the circle for Benton.

One thing to pay attention to for this Benton lineup, and this is how Farmington's going to line up defensively.

Fitness hitting 413 as a team.

Impressive defense behind Hadley Hayes in the circle.

Left to right in the outfield.

Jones, Martinez, Travis and left to right on the infield.

Rake off Gore, Shirey and Gardenhire.

Chloe Thomas is the catcher behind the plate.

Hadley Hayes first pitch and we are underway at 705.

Right on time.

Misses for ball one to get the game started.

Starting the game hot is so important in softball.

Momentum is such a big thing, and you can see Benton's going to try to find a way to get on base any way you can.

419 average on the season.

That doesn't mean they're not afraid to play little small ball as well.

Swing and a miss on the slap attempt there from Mike's the shortstop that game with A11 count, tried to lay down the bunt that time.

Foul back.

Thomas picks it up in foul territory.

A ball and two strikes to get things started.

Sometimes you think that coaches maybe type the stats a little too fast and you think, okay, maybe they dealt with more picks as well.

637 batting average, 764 slugging percentage and only struck out twice this year.

Incredible.

And we'll take that one right there for the third time this season that she has struck out Hadley Hays, the freshman wins the early battle that set the broadcaster jinx on the first batter.

Bobby, how big is that for a freshman and a confidence level in a championship game and against a team like Benton, who's 30 and two on the season to get a punch out on their first at bat.

Lake and Griffin right back to the pitcher now fielding your own position.

Hays over to first base for the out.

Two up and two down to get the game started.

Sometimes it's you always have to wonder, how does a pitcher go from throwing underhand as a delivery to the plate and all of a sudden field position and throw overhand to first base?

No problem for the freshman in the circle.

This will bring up Payton Stewart, the senior catcher.

Go back.

So look at the first pitch high for ball one.

24 and four record for Farmington 29 and three.

The mark for Benton.

As the one oh count Hayes fires home low.

And it's two and zero.

These are two teams that are used to playing for state championships.

Farmington won and for a title just a few seasons ago.

Of course, Benton, one of the perennial powers in the entire state of Arkansas, they're in that same conversation with the Bentonville is the harbors and the like to oh, swung on, lifted to center, caught by Destiny Martinez on the line.

Drive out.

It's a quick one two, three inning for Hadley Hays as she shuts down the Benton Lady Panthers in order in the visiting half of the first.

We'll see Farmington coming to bat in just a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Hi, I'm Carlton Wing, executive director and CEO of Arkansas TV.

For nearly 60 years, Arkansas's only statewide public television network has been part of your home, informing, inspiring and strengthening communities across our state.

That commitment hasn't changed.

What continues to guide us is a simple promise to tell Arkansas stories with care and integrity.

We are renewing our focus on local storytelling, highlighting the people, places, culture and history that make Arkansas special.

But we can only fulfill this mission with your partnership.

If you already support Arkansas TV, thank you.

If you are able.

We hope you'll consider making a gift today.

Your contribution is an investment in education, in local storytelling, and in everything that makes public television an essential resource for Arkansans.

We are committed to serving Arkansas today and for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of the Arkansas TV family.

Want to see more Arkansas stories?

Subscribe to Arkansas TV on YouTube for original productions, extras from your favorite local programs, and our exclusive coverage of high school sports, all available on demand.

Scan the QR code to subscribe now.

Bottom of the first inning, it's Farmington coming to bat for the first time in this game.

Tatum, Ray.

Call destiny Martinez, Hadley.

Hays.

Cale.

Jones, Emma.

Gore, Chloe Thomas.

Oakley, Travis, Kaylee.

Burr, Reed Shirey round out the batting order and Rexy Crain in the center circle for the Benton Lady Panthers and the defense.

From left to right, it's Griffin deja, Ivana Keene and then left right on the infield.

Morrow makes Jackson and Burrow, and Stewart is the catcher behind the plate.

Bottom of the first.

Underway here.

First pitch strike from Crain to Tatum.

Recall the sophomore third baseman.

We talked about how proficient Benton's offense was 413 on the season.

Farmington not too far behind 393 team batting average.

Break off hitting for 69 out of the leadoff spot for Farmington.

Impressive.

I don't do a job talking about getting on base pretty much every other time she steps up.

So when your leadoff hitter is slugging 500.

Really impressive that one time outside for a ball two and one.

The count to the leadoff hitter for Farmington, 13 and one mark in the five AA.

West again, 24 and four overall.

Benton shut down in order in the first part of the first inning, just off the plate, actually on the corner for a strike to make it two and two.

If Crane can live there and gets the call, it's going to be a long day for Farmington.

That one on the edge of the block.

Maybe a touch outside, but either way gets the call.

The pitcher's best friend 176 strikeouts this year from Crane.

That one fouled back count stays even at two and two.

136 innings pitched, 176 strikeouts.

Opponents hitting just 121 against her.

That's tough sledding.

And again, that's why they have won 29 of 32.

Two two.

Delivery popped up, sent to right center and the right fielder will make the catch.

Corbin keen one up and one down.

Good size park here at majestic.

225.

The dead center, a little bigger than the high schools are used to.

About the same size as the park that they play.

The College World Series at Oklahoma City.

So not out of the norm.

So fly ball, not necessarily a bad thing in the middle part of the field.

So if you've got go gaps and in, you can live there as a pitcher.

You let anything up over the down the lines.

It's got a chance to go.

Junior center fielder Destinee Martinez bases empty, one out and to go along with that 225 to straightaway center, 200 down the lines.

First pitch, strike one to Martinez.

74 degrees.

Game time temperature.

Looks like we're going to stay about that temperature over the next 30 minutes or so.

And it might cool off a couple of degrees, but a little bit cloudy.

Other than that, really good weather, especially compared to earlier today, had anything was better than earlier today.

I was worried about you guys at my house down the road.

Yeah, that's that's the beauty of spring championships.

Doesn't matter what town you play them, what park you play them.

Mother nature's going to play the biggest role.

Two balls in a strike.

Now to Martinez.

And Martinez hitting 348.

All it rise.

Ball got her.

Couldn't come up with it on that one.

Great pitch to level the count at two each.

One more rich.

One soccer game is about halfway home.

And this is the final game in the high school athletic seasons for 2526.

And then we'll pause and reset, recharge the batteries come the fall and get ready for a new year.

Two two at the knees called strike three.

Two up and two down.

In the bottom half of the first crane is just burning the edges and that time goes inside, then right back out in the outside corner and could do nothing but offer and look.

That's a perfectly placed pitch.

No arguments.

Hits back to the dugout.

Base is empty.

No score early.

Bottom of the first.

Hadley Hays, the freshman starting pitcher for Farmington in the three spot in the lineup.

So not only can she get it done in the circle as a freshman, she's right in the teeth of the lineup.

Jason Shirey has a ton of confidence.

And why not?

When you've got a talent like that?

Heading for 29 takes the first one outside for a ball and Crane delivers, swung on and missed one on one.

So a lot of movement on that offering from Crane that late movements and forced the wave in the miss pitching counterpart one one delivery.

Oh and change up right there.

Tough to hit.

He can do nothing but just grunt at that.

That changeup pulls the string.

For Oser at the plate.

And it's one and two.

It's kind of hung in the air like a yo yo.

This couldn't offer.

If she goes back to it.

Fastball this time outside two and two, though she doesn't get the call.

I really like the decision there from Crane to go just off the edge and try to get the youngster Hayes to chase, but she would not oblige.

Two two delivery swung on and missed two strikeouts in the inning for the starter Rexy Crane, and both sides go down in order in the first runs, no hits and nobody left on after one.

No score.

You're watching the Centennial Bank, state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member owned and work together to serve Arkansans.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas proud to support high school students and athletics in Arkansas, and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas TV sports.

Better connected together.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

Join the ranks of corporate sponsors and business partners at Arkansas TV.

Your support will shine a light on your business with recognition on air and in major community events.

Plus, our viewers love the businesses that underwrite their favorite programs.

Showcase your company while making a meaningful impact.

A lifelong learning partner with Arkansas TV to build a brighter future for our state.

You can experience the action all over again of these championship games and next week on YouTube.

Just go to youtube.com, slash Arkansas TV to watch the games on demand.

Well, they've been quick to post them too.

You might be able to find it before next week, so go check it out and go watch all the action.

Top of the second inning.

No score between Benton and Farmington.

She had Lee Hays back in the center circle for the Lady Cardinals.

Impressive in the first.

Started off with a strikeout looking and then able to get a ground ball out in a line out.

A little bit of everything in that first we'll see 4 or 5, six in the batting order for the Benton Lady Panthers.

Giovanna going after the first pitch and booted by Emma Gore, the shortstop on at first, is the leadoff hitter for Benton.

It doesn't matter how you get on as long as you do and Audrey able to put the ball in play.

Mishandled by the Farmington defense, and the first miscue benefits the Panthers and a dance move at first, as well.

A.C.

Lackey, the senior, now stands in 333 average on the year for Lackey.

Showing bunt pops it up and it's caught foul territory by the first baseman Gardenhire, who was right there to make the play.

And the runner has to hold it first.

So Chiney Cox is going to be frustrated with that.

You're trying to move that runner into scoring position.

As you know, runs are going to be at a premium today.

Could not move the runner over.

Wasted opportunity.

One out, one on easy.

Morrow, the senior third baseman, takes for strike, finding a way to to be comfortable pitching on the inside half.

As a young pitcher, it's really difficult.

You know, we're already seeing Hays try to establish herself on the inside, not afraid to come to this inside of this dangerous Benton lineup.

Fouled off a morrow for a strike.

It's zero and two.

She's in the hole here, I got it, and you said it earlier, Benton.

Just a this is where they have been in the state championship game so many times in recent past.

Champions in four of the last five seasons.

Swung on and missed on the high heat.

Three pitches and a strike.

You come inside, then you climb the ladder and Hayes blows by the Lady Panthers hitter.

And now, because of the sacrifice bunt, couldn't be put down.

Two out in that runner.

Still at first, two strikeouts for Hadley Hays.

And here is Corbin Keene, the sophomore then swinging away early here and going after some of these pitches.

Fouled back for strike one.

When you're facing someone who's going to be in the strike zone consistently, consistently and Hayes has shown you're going to do that, the best pitch may be the one of the first couple.

In the bat.

You see Hayes delivers.

The oh one high runner is going to go throw down a bit late.

Stolen base for Giovanna.

And so she's in scoring position now with two down and the throw from Thomas.

It's kind of tailing off to the first base side of second base.

And nice job by the second baseman Gore ranging over to to keep that ball from going into centerfield.

One one pitch skied high into the air and caught by Shirey, the second baseman, just on the cut of that outfield turf.

And it ends the threat.

No runs, no hits, one left on you.

Go to the bottom of the second in just a moment.

No score.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

As our nation marks 250 years, we honor the heroic service and sacrifice of our military and their families.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Join me, Joe Montana and me, Gary Sinise with Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Johnson, Mary McCormick, Laura Osnes, and Alan Jackson.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Tomorrow evening at seven.

Everett Buick GMC provides vehicles to Arkansans and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports.

More at Everett BJ Nme.com.

Get your live action photos from the game at Arkansas tv.gov/sports.

You can grab free downloads, have prints made of.

These are a great championship keepsake and have to give a huge shout out to Braden Botts, who's been out here all weekend long battling the weather with all the fans and the rest of the crew.

Getting these great shots that are free, able to download again on Arkansas TV got.gov.

I had a great photos.

I always go back and look for them as well.

Here we are in the bottom of the second inning.

No score between Benton and Farmington.

Lexi Crane back to work in the circle for the Benton Lady Panthers.

It's four, five and six.

Do up for Farmington.

Jones score and Thomas and Kale Jones to left field.

A sophomore takes the first one for a strike.

Swings away at this one down the right field line.

Foul and is very quickly.

Oh and two getting ahead of a good hitter.

Here is Jones Ford's 38 average on the season 35 hits among the team leaders for Farmington.

That's why she's in the the teeth of the lineup.

Farmington had some close games in the state tournament played at Greene County Tech in Paragould, yo two delivery.

Oh, that one a bit up high.

And it's one and two.

Is that one just got away from Crane beat Valley View 2 to 1, then Greenbrier 6 to 5.

And talk about some, hold your breath moments in those two games and then able to cruise a little bit against Sylvan Hills, 5 to 1.

One.

Two off the plate, two balls and two strikes.

Got the coach.

Coach Jason Shirey took over the program here at Farmington just a few seasons ago.

Got them back as a perennial power.

Two two hard hit ground ball that is up the middle.

A base hit past the second baseman Jackson, and it's a leadoff single for Kale Jones.

And that's what Farmington needed in order in the first place.

Able to get to that first base runner here in the second.

And now trying to put a little pressure on this Benton team that has not allowed a run in the entire state tournament.

Now, Emma Gore, another sophomore back to back sophomores in this line up with a freshman before that.

And Hays, who ended the first inning.

Or takes low.

Farmington has been extremely successful in girls athletics this year in the championship game and volleyball won a basketball championship.

Now in the finals here in softball and the the common factor there a lot of young talent, not just senior led.

They've got a lot of talent coming back on all three of those teams.

Here's Gore back in the box A10 count and right back to the pitcher.

She'll go to second for one.

Back to first.

Not quite in time a near double play, but a good job by Rexy Crane to field the position with Mike's cover in the bag at second.

We're watching the multi-view here in the booth and able to see a lot of different angles.

That was a perfect throw from Crane, right?

You can see it right there.

Leads the shortstop into the relay throw.

Double plays are extremely rare in softball, but the pitcher crane, because of the delivery to the second base bag, gave her defense at least a chance.

Yeah, nearly had one.

Their impressive throw.

Good job fielding her position now Chloe Thomas a senior catcher with one out and one on takes the first one for a ball.

Yeah a lot of late movement again for Crane.

Tailing away from Thomas.

Catcher able to lay off Thomas.

Hitting 345 Ops in the four digits 1.011.

One oh count.

Swung on and missed out in front of that one a bit, and it's one on one.

Might have taken the foot off the gas a little bit.

Tapered down the velocity to get in the zone, and Thomas couldn't adjust for 21 runs batted in for Thomas this season.

One one delivery from Rexy.

Crane missing low and the runner is going to go throw down.

Not in time.

A heads up base running there for Gore.

She's in scoring position now at second base with only one out.

Almost zero chance for Peyton Stewart to throw at the base runner there.

A changeup in the dirt.

That one was almost impossible to field as a catcher.

And no chance to throw down the speedy runner.

Or foul back in the count will stay.

Two balls and two strikes to Chloe.

Thomas got her first runner in scoring position for either side.

Can Farmington scratch one across?

We saw Benton unable to do the task of moving the runner over.

Farmington, though, already has one out with that runners already in scoring position if it's in your way.

You mentioned Benton did not give up a run in their three playoff games so far.

Postseason play beat Lakeside 15 to nothing, Greenwood four to nothing.

And that one foul tipped into the glove for strike three again.

That late movement riding away from the right hand hitting catcher and swing and a miss and a big strike out for Lexi Crain and makes it two outs.

Runner in scoring position at second.

Oakley Travis the freshman again.

There's only three seniors on this Farmington team.

You're going to hear a lot of freshman and sophomore names mentioned.

First at bat for Oakley Travis take off the plate low for a ball one and zero.

And Travis is hitting 403.

And her freshman campaign.

Let's go.

Rex 27 base hits, including 11 extra base hits.

Crane fires home.

Nice pitch right there for strike and there.

You're not seeing either one of these pitches, miss over the heart of the plate there living on the edges.

And again, that's why these two pitchers and these two teams have been really successful.

Because if you can avoid the heart of the plate more times than not, you're going to avoid the barrel.

And the weak contact means good things for a pitcher.

Catcher tried to frame that one up that time.

Stewart doesn't get the call and it's two balls and a strike runner at second.

Emma Gore, Farmington trying to be the first team this postseason to get a run off of Benton.

Crane delivers.

And that's in for a strike.

Two balls and two strikes to Oakley.

Travis Travis has been probably as patient as any hitter for farmington's up at this point.

She's seeing pitches, trying to pick it up out of the hand of crane, but now she's got to be tough with two strikes.

Kaylee Burr waits on deck if she can reach.

Here comes A22 pitch from Crane, fouled back to strike out so far for Lexi Crane, who again came into this game with 176 strikeouts.

Strikeouts.

Not really a big problem for Farmington on the season, but Oakley does have the most of any player in the stats, and it's only 15 strikeouts.

That's that's pretty good contact rates.

Yep, two and two.

The count home plate umpire Justin Hedgepeth, Eric Wallace at first, Darryl Williams at third and now the miss outside for a ball runner.

Thought about it.

Stays put at second base in the count goes full.

That's really good patience there on the off-speed pitch.

Thought about offering, but that changeup held up long enough that she was able to keep the bat on the shoulder and run the count for.

Crane, ready to deliver the three two, swung on and fouled back.

What a battle.

Really good battle between Oakley, Travis and Roxy Crane, but who's going to win it?

Two down in the inning.

Bottom of the second.

No score.

That has played a little bit.

Of.

Crane taking her time here.

And here comes payoff pitch fouled back yet again.

Pitch count not as big of a deal in the softball game, but I certainly wish I would have kept up with it on this at bat, because it feels like it's getting close to double digits and these two are just duking it out, right?

It Crane's thrown 28 pitches so far, 17 of those for strikes.

How about one more time on the payoff pitch and again fouled out of play?

However, shagging foul balls in the park is going to get a workout here in this at bat.

Not giving away free snow cones are we?

For every foul ball we run that snow cones five pitches ago when it is racking up.

You got it.

Well, even Peyton Stewart, the catcher, wanted a little bit of a break there.

We'll try it again.

Runner on at second.

One more foul yet again.

What a great at bat from Oakley Travis the freshman in her first state championship plate appearance.

And you know she's also helping the players behind her see some pitches.

What could lead to opportunities later on.

Neither one wanting to give in first bases open.

So a walk here is not the end of the world for Crane, but she doesn't want that blemish on her line.

Score.

Lexi Crane, the junior out pitch again low and it is ball for a first walk of the game, issued on the longest at bat of the game.

What patience from a freshman.

You got a chance to drive in the first run of the state championship game, but able to sit back on that changeup and finally, finally earn a walk.

15th walk of the season for Travis Oakley and Crane had only walked 29, coming in a 11 pitch battle.

Well, we weren't quite to double digits when I said it then, but we got there, Kaylee Bur, the senior at the plate now.

Opportunity for Farmington runners at first and second.

Two down.

First pitch in for a strike.

Oh and one.

To go for hitting two 9214 hits.

Ten of those singles two doubles and two home runs.

Fouled away its own 211 RBI's on the season for Kaylee, a great opportunity to add that total here.

And remember, the leadoff runner that reached was thrown out on the bases on what was a near double play to start the inning.

First and second.

Two outs, oh two count.

So Crane battling.

Here comes the pitch to Burr.

Fouled away again.

Big healthy cut there.

He's not getting cheated.

But now she's down oh two in the count.

Maybe need to shorten up.

Make sure make contact and try to find a way to push the run across runners on the bases getting their workout in as well as they got to go back to the bases first and second.

Crane one more time on oh two and that will stay up high one and two the count.

I like the idea from Crane to again go top of the strike zone.

Maybe try to get Burr to extend but she's patient lays awesome live to find another pitch.

And Crane doesn't like the the call there shaking off the catcher.

Now she's ready to go at one and two.

Delivers to Burr high and outside again.

Two balls and two strikes.

And yeah, I think that's the word of this inning.

Patience from these Farmington batters.

They're not going after anything that's outside the zone.

43 pitches already thrown.

Now for Crane.

We're just in the second inning.

I think we saw at 145 and day one one of the softball games.

Here's the two two big hack at that time.

Out of play again.

The count stays even.

Yesterday this is what state championship level play is all about.

Baseball.

Softball doesn't matter.

You get these good battles between pitchers and hitters, neither side giving in.

All twos right now.

Two outs, two on two two count and a hitter.

It hit her in.

The bases are loaded.

Crane tried to come in.

Just got into a little too deep and catches Burr on that back elbow.

And now the bases are loaded for Farmington.

And Carter on the front forearm on the two two count.

She'll take her base at first and a visit in the circle to slow things down a little bit as the bases are loaded for Farmington in the bottom of the second inning with two down.

Could still get out of the inning unscathed.

But one hit here and, Farmington would have all the momentum.

Crane certainly battle tested.

This is not the first time she's facing a bases loaded opportunity for the opposition, but haven't given up a run in the state tournament.

Have to wonder where the mental state is and reach the freshman.

The coaches kid here.

Takes for a strike.

They spot for the freshman.

Of course.

As we said, lot of the lineup underclassmen and have a lot of big opportunities today in this one.

They're on the game a long time.

Her dad was coach at Fayetteville before he took the job at Farmington.

Slap hit picked up by the third baseman over to first in time.

Monroe to burrow to end the threat.

And Farmington will leave them loaded.

They can't come up with a hitch.

Rexy Crane gets out of the big time jam.

No score.

As we head to the third.

UAMs is a proud supporter of Arkansas TV sports.

You Earn Us help provides orthopedic and sports medicine cure across Arkansas supporting athletes and teams throughout the state.

Find out more UAMs health.

Com.

For over 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has offered coverage for automobiles, homes, farms and lives across Arkansas.

I'm proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association.

More at AFB, Icom.

Michael woke up this morning and had one goal, and that's to make you a smarter human being.

So we're going to ask you, what's the longest winning streak in Arkansas high school softball history?

So if if I've been watching all day and I've heard other trivia questions, does that mean I'm like, double smart?

Absolutely.

Yeah.

Okay.

Longest winning streak in Arkansas high school history.

All right okay.

So I already saw the answer, but I was gonna guess.

Can I go in and say what my guess would be when I, when I saw the question I was going to say 40.

Okay.

And close.

Not close.

I want to give it away yet.

No, we'll wait on that.

Yeah, maybe a little.

But just think about all the programs.

You know, Taylor won their ninth consecutive state championship.

You know Bentonville just completed a three peat earlier this weekend.

There are so many great programs.

It's surprising the number is as large as it is, because these great programs tend to play each other, right?

Right, right.

Well, and I mean, hey, Benton's coming in 29 and three, but baseball and softball, you're going to lose a game here and there.

So, I mean, you're talking about, from what I'm gathering the number, you're saying we're talking into multiple seasons.

Maybe because I guessed 40 and you didn't indicate that was right.

So little light.

Yeah, yeah.

Wow.

All right, well, we're back to play in the third.

Still no score as Farmington left the bases loaded in the bottom half of the second.

And now for the Benton Lady Panthers London Borough Aubrey Jackson and KB Minx, 891 in the batting order is I'll turn it over to the top of the lineup in this inning.

And Hadley Hayes goes up high with that one, trying to see if burrow would chase on the oh two.

And she did not.

One and two the count.

You love the gamesmanship between the pitchers and the opposing hitters.

You get ahead in the count.

You try to expand the zone.

Only base runner so far for the Benton Lady Panthers was DJ Ivana, who reached on an error, was left stranded at second base in the second inning.

One ball and two strikes to London Borough 271 average on the year for Borough pops it up on the infield, and the second baseman, Chari right there calls everybody off and makes the catch.

One up and one down in the top of the third.

When you get a high level softball, Michael, it's all about pitching.

And these pitchers are dealing right now able to work out.

And the jam was Crane in the previous half inning really no problems up to this point for Hayes as the only base runner for Benton reached on an error.

Junior Aubrey Jackson out of the nine spot in the lineup showing bunt and will swing away to left field and that will fall in front of Kale Jones.

It's a one out single out of the nine spot in the lineup.

Maybe the announcer curse is two for two.

This dump that over, the third baseman said right in front of the left fielder.

Jones couldn't get there in time, and now Benton has a chance to maybe make things interesting with the one out base runner.

You know, I was reading an article earlier today.

About this Benton team, and it was interesting to hear Coach Cox say that everybody's tired at the end of the year to just go ahead and kind of admit that and say that, hey, it is what it is.

We've had a long season, 29 wins and she wants her team to enjoy the moment.

And we have seen them dancing at first when they get on base, gotta have fun.

But also it's a long wait when you're the final game of championship weekends out, that's a long time to wait because they punch their ticket to the championship game on Saturday of last week.

Wow.

So that's a full seven days that they got to sit and think about.

Hey, we got to go play Benton.

We have to go play Farmington.

And when you're used to playing every other day in baseball or softball, that's a long time to sit and think.

Sure is.

So the leadoff hitter, KB, Mike's and right in front picked up and thrown away.

And it's going to be second and third for Benton.

The strong throw across the diamond.

It just looked like it came out of the glove from the Farmington defender.

We'll have to see how they officially score that.

But a great ball to move the runner over put some pressure on the opposing defense.

But either way a second Farmington error in this contest now has two in scoring position for the Panthers.

Scott Lang keeping up what looked like out number two of the inning.

Instead, it turns into second and third for the Benton Lady Panthers and only one down, Laken Griffin at the plate.

A variety of ways where Benton could get the first run of this game here in the third inning and 25 RBI's on the year for Griffin, a great opportunity for her and her 458 batting average to give Benton a lead.

Pitch misses low and outside one and one.

Jackson the runner at third, Mike is at second and now.

Coming up and back in the box.

Lake and Griffin oh for one so far.

Grounded out to the pitcher Hadley Hayes the first time up, but this time into the outfield.

And it is caught on the run by Martinez.

The runner is going to hold at third two down and still no score.

What a great job by Martinez to not only track down that foul ball, she's playing closer to the gap in left center, able to range all the way over to the other gap and delivered a perfect strike at home.

And Jackson had no decision other than to hold her water and have to stay at third and not risk making the final out of the inning.

At the plate.

Now two down in the inning, and it leaves it into the hands of Peyton Stewart.

Take the high strike lined out to the center fielder.

Martinez, her first time up.

Oh, for one so far.

So a sacrifice bunt and a throwing error.

The official ruling on that last play is that's high for a ball one and one.

Oh e5 on Tatum.

Rakoff has second and third with two down.

Stewart back in and the pitch from Hadley Hayes.

And it's fouled back a big spot here for Hayes.

The young pitcher.

But her family used to playing in big moments.

Her uncle Ryan Mallett okay that family knows about playing in a big game or two.

Yep.

A chance to get out of the inning with a strike here and that'll go high two and two.

But.

Farmington had the bases loaded last half inning.

Big opportunity here for Benton.

Second and third.

That one gets away.

Here comes the runner sliding in headfirst and scoring Aubrey Jackson Benton is on the board and a second run.

And as well Mike scores.

It's two to nothing Lady Panthers.

So that one just slips out of the hand of Hayes and gets all the way to the backstop, but trying to be too quick with it.

Chloe Thomas, the catcher, mishandled it as she tried to pick up the softball, which allows the first run to score.

Vince rushes the underhand throw, gets away from the pitcher, allowing the second run to come in to score.

What heads up base running from Benton and the Lady Panthers have a two nothing lead.

Monarchs barely stopped at third, was on the move the whole way.

Two to nothing.

Benton leads in the top of the third inning with two outs, and everybody can kind of collectively catch their breath after that one.

And that is exactly 100% a moment of the state championship game creeping into your mind.

Hey, I've got a hurry to make this play.

You mishandle it, you don't pick it up cleanly, and then all of a sudden you rush to throw and in turn, with a small problem into a huge one payoff pitch, ground ball, foul.

So a wild pitch and then a throwing error on the catcher.

Thomas.

Third error of the game for Farmington.

And it leads to the first two runs.

That's the one column that you cannot afford to be stacking up numbers right.

You want the runs and you want the hits.

But obviously that last column on the scoreboard, you want no part of Farmington or you got 3 in 3 innings.

But with Thomas out to talk to Hays just to maybe slow down some of the momentum, Benton has all of a sudden.

A wild play or two runs came across.

It was one quick shot of the assistant coach.

I if you saw that, his hands on his head, he couldn't believe it.

Fouled back again.

You're making Hays work in this inning now.

Up to 30 pitches.

Let's see some fans starting to clamor and grab the umbrellas.

It's starting to rain again here.

And yes, it is.

Well, here I was saying we're going to have okay weather.

Yeah it's it's May it'll change in a few minutes.

That's true I think I, I liked your comment one of the earlier games that it's, May and it'll be humid and I added the rain into my broadcast too, because we did pretty well in the regionals and state tournament games, didn't we?

Hard hit ball and that one is caught.

What a catch.

Reed Shirey, the second baseman, snags it to end the inning.

But it is a big inning for Benton as they get the game's first two runs.

We're heading to the bottom of the third.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Consumers today want more information on where their food comes from on food safety, animal welfare and environmental concerns.

America's heartland introduces you to those people at the heart of modern agricultural production.

America's heartland is farm fresh and original, giving consumers the opportunity to better understand how agriculture impacts our lives.

Tomorrow morning at 11.

Since 1937, the electric cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms and businesses across our state.

The cooperatives are member owned and work together to serve Arkansans.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.

Proud to support high school students and athletics in Arkansas.

And hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas TV sports.

Better connected together.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

All right.

Let's test the knowledge that Michael threw at us.

What is the longest winning streak and highest Arkansas high school softball history?

How about 66 games, Benton from 2021 through 2023.

The Lady Panthers wow.

Eye for two seasons.

Plus some without losing a game.

Wow, I said 40.

That was not very close.

Champions in 2021, 22 and 23.

And then again in 2025.

The Benton Lady Panthers and they lead two to nothing.

Top of the third inning.

Able to get two runs on a couple of fielding mistakes by Farmington.

Now we'll see what the Lady Cardinals can do.

And their half to the third.

They're back to the top of the lineup.

Taking a swing at this one into right field.

Caught on the run Corbin keen.

It's very quickly one up and one down in the bottom of the third.

That was Tatum rake off Destiny Martinez to hit.

And then Hadley Hays 123 in the order.

The bounce back inning is so important Farmington flies out to lead off the inning.

But you just give up a two spot.

How do you answer back?

Of course Benton is trying to prevent that rebound inning.

They want to throw another goose egg on the board and get some momentum going.

Destinee Martinez wants another try after her first at bat ended with her looking at strike three.

She's oh for one so far today, and the junior center fielder takes the first one.

More ball one and no.

Martinez hitting 348.

Five doubles, one triple, one home run, 22 driven in.

Lexi Crane, working with the lead, delivers home.

Swung on, lifted to left and caught on the run.

Laken Griffin in position, reaches out and makes the catch, ranging to her right and able just to stab that.

It almost looked like it was going to eke by, but able to flash the leather.

Maybe a bit of a snow cone as well, because if that gets by her all the way to the wall and likely a double at worst, maybe even a triple.

Well, that was one of our keys to the game for Benton to defend.

Well, a team that has not given up a run in the state tournament so far.

You know, they've had good pitching and good defense.

And there was a sign of it right there.

Hadley Hayes back at the plate.

She also struck out her first time up and watches the first one go by for ball one.

Did not mention this a moment ago, but Hadley Hayes, the freshman, also has ten home runs and 13 doubles.

Just incredible power numbers from the freshman.

One triple in there as well.

Crane trying to put another goose egg on the board.

Now Benton has outscored their opponents in the state tournament by 24 to nothing.

Two oh pitch at the knees but outside three.

And oh the count to Hayes.

You may have the best offensive lineup in the country, but she's got pitchers putting up zeros against the best competition in the state.

You're not going to win an MVP.

I'm no doubt, but I guess she's the front runner as of right now.

And a four pitch walk to Hadley Hayes.

And so Crane is not able to retire in order the way she did in the first.

Instead, it is a two out walk.

First one, second one that she has issued here today.

Yeah, you mentioned it earlier, Michael.

The pitch count really not a factor, in softball like it is for baseball, but already 56 pitches.

Still not through the third inning.

You know, Farmington's being patient at the plate, seeing a lot of offerings from Crane.

We'll see if that results in runs.

Kale Jones, the sophomore left fielder, takes ball one and catcher Stewart is out to talk to Crane for just a moment.

You can still be exhausting throwing all those pitches, no doubt in.

Yeah, a lot of times you.

And it's not a mechanical thing that the catcher may go out and want to talk to a pitcher about.

Sometimes you just let her catch your breath.

Let's go.

Ready?

You mentioned they've now outscored their opponents 24.

Nothing.

We told you Lakeside.

They won 15 to nothing than Greenwood for nothing.

And then they beat Sheridan three to nothing.

Greenwood shared.

And know a thing or two about playing for softball championships as well.

And the two Ole Miss is high, so that makes it two and zero and not able to find the strike zone right now.

You can always make the argument that five is the deepest classification.

So when you when you make a run through a state tournament, that means you've gone through quality teams really in every round.

Two oh pitch a strike.

Two and one.

Sheridan won it all 2016 through 2019, and then in 2024.

Crane finding the strike zone that time.

Now the two one fouled back.

And she's got the count even at two and two scores.

Was scary to one of the best players in the state.

Come through Sheridan when it rains.

They routinely put players at the High Division one level.

Crane wants a new softball there.

So a little bit of a delay.

Got a runner at first.

Bottom of the third.

Two outs, two two count.

Benton leading two.

Nothing.

Pitch to Jones takes low.

Did she go around?

Don't think so.

Runner is going to go and they're at second base.

Is Hayes.

Has the ball bounced in front of Stewart.

She took off and heads up.

Base running by Hayes to get up in the scoring position on the ball down in the dirt.

And now a base hit can close the gap.

Once again a payoff pitch situation.

The count fall at three and two.

And Crane fires home outside back to back walks that put runners at first and second for Farmington.

That did not miss by much.

So great patience by Jones at the plate to take that fastball just off the edge of the plate.

And now, first and second, Heidi Cox wants to talk things over with her troops.

Yeah.

62 pitches now for Rexy Crane.

Two walks.

Three, actually.

And she's also hit a batter.

So a moment here where her team has the lead, wants to just make sure everybody's on the same page.

After getting two very quick outs to start the inning, fly out to right and a fly out to left back to back walks.

Since then.

Seven state titles for this Benton Panthers team, the first one coming in 2000 for four state titles for Farmington.

But again, their last one was when they were in for a two years ago.

They got this at the battle, tested five eight now and knocked off some good teams to get to the championship.

Ready to go.

Emma Gore in the batter's box takes the high pitch for ball one.

Well, we said they were patient last inning.

It's how they were getting runners on base and doing the same here in the third.

And they're laying off pitches that are close.

Crane has been around the zone all afternoon and evening long, but they're just just missing.

And Farmington showing extreme discipline of the strike zone.

Gore fouls it back one and one reached on a fielder's choice in the second.

It was the comebacker to crane.

She threw to second base to get the lead runner and they nearly had the double play.

Once Gore reached, she did steal a base, one ball, one strike runners at first and second.

Crane taking her time.

And delivers the one one high and outside.

Two and one.

It's going to be a good look at how much Emma Gore is choking up on the bat to make sure that she's got control of that strike zone, and she just moves those hands up just a little bit to make sure that she can has a little extra coverage.

Two one pitch sent to right field.

It is playable and the catch is made by Corbin Keene.

And that ends the threat again for Farmington.

No runs, no hits, but they leave two on and it is a two to nothing Benton lead in the five AA state championship game.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Tomorrow at 1130.

UAMs is a proud supporter of Arkansas teen sports.

You and us help provide support the P-tech and sports medicine cure across Arkansas, supporting athletes and teams throughout the state.

Find out more at UMass health.com.

We like to celebrate success on the field as well as those who succeed in the classroom, like Chloe Thomas, the catcher from Farmington has a 4.0 grade point average.

She plans to attend the University of Arkansas Monticello and be a member of the rodeo team.

So congratulations on a job well done to Chloe Thomas.

Today's Arkansas TV student all star.

That's a combo two sport athlete we don't see very often.

Softball and rodeo.

There she is, a catcher for Farmington.

We have hit the fourth inning from Majestic Park and Jackie Robinson Field two to nothing.

Benton leads Farmington.

Giovanna will start things off, followed by Lackey and Morrow, 456, in the batting order for the Benton Lady Panthers.

And the first pitch is a ball one and zero.

Hadley Hays, three innings has given up only one hit, two runs, but neither one of them earned no walks and two strikeouts in three innings.

Giovanna was the one who reached on the error back in the second inning, so able to steal second base was left there stranded in the second.

It was the third inning when Benton got their two runs.

Two oh from Hays goes up high and it's three and zero.

Three baserunners is not what you can afford to allow.

If you're Farmington.

Hays just needs to settle in, get back into the zone.

Now the three oh pitch and that one is high.

An outside ball for leadoff walk puts De Giovana on base for the second time in this game.

Within two and three.

One two.

I think we'd be remiss if we didn't mention it.

Michael.

Softball is like such a growing sport across the country and mainly in Arkansas.

And the success of the Razorbacks obviously a big reason why.

First time in program history, they punch their ticket to the College World Series.

Wow.

They mercy rule.

Do today.

Wow.

Back to back lashings of Duke has the Razorbacks going Oklahoma City.

How about that impressive first time ever.

First time ever.

They see Lackey at the plate and that will miss low for a ball one and one.

Up tried to bunt the runner around her first time up, but popped it up into foul territory and it was caught by the first baseman for an out.

Hayes in the circle here, 17 and one record this year, also has two saves, a 1.09 ERA, five ball and two strikes to Lackey.

The senior.

So now she.

Plays delivers down low two balls and two strikes.

You start to see Benton be a little more patient at the plate.

They were aggressive the first time through the lineup.

Now they're making Hayes work trying to push that pitch count up.

You got it back.

And obviously command has been a bit of a struggle for Hays here in the fourth.

First runner on at first.

Top of the fourth inning.

Leadoff runner walked.

So a two ball two strike count to Lackey swung on and missed.

Got her on the pitch inside and late movement.

This dives down and in on the right handed hitter, and Hayes gets a much needed out number one via the strike out.

Third strike out for Hadley Hays in this game.

Again she's pitched well.

Just some defensive miscues have allowed some runs to come across.

As not allowed and earned run today.

Now the first pitch offering swung on a miss from Acey Morrow, the senior third baseman.

Oh, for one so far today.

Struck out in the second inning.

Let's go at.

Then leading two nothing.

Here comes the pitch.

Trying to Bonner way on.

Perhaps Hayes fields over to first for the out.

They'll throw back to second.

So I read a second baseman was the one covering the bag that time for the out a runner at second with two down in the sacrifice bunt.

Select a three yard gain.

In football, everybody claps.

Everybody thinks they did a pretty good job.

Offense got three yards.

Offense run moves.

The runner over defense made a stop after three yards.

Defense picks up and out.

Everybody's happy.

There you go.

So we've got two down in the inning a runner in scoring position for Benton her third consecutive inning.

They've had a runner reached second base after going down an order in the first.

They've been able to make some noise each in the last couple of innings and having a threat again.

And Corbin Keene, the sophomore right fielder who's zero for one, looks at a ball and it's two and oh.

Benton the five central champs and Farmington champs of their conference as well at both number one seeds had to have a coin flip to see who would be the home seed.

Farmington winning the toss there.

They're the home team in this one at six instances where we had to use the coin flip or wow, either baseball or softball, which means both number one seeds or two number one seeds made the championship.

And not surprisingly, all six chose to be the home team.

Well, pull the curtain back for me a little bit.

You do that on zoom or you got to meet up in person or.

Yeah, so we do it on zoom, and all week we had all 12 teams on at the same time.

Oh, good.

Good.

We don't have a team called Heads or Tails.

Who's ever on the top of the bracket is the.

Okay.

And whoever is on the bottom of the bracket is the tail.

And we do.

We flip that coin six times.

Okay.

Ground ball to the shortstop.

Gore over to first in time for the out six three groundout.

No runs, no hits, one left on a leadoff walk.

Stranded.

Go into the bottom of the fourth.

Benton with a two nothing lead.

As our nation marks 250 years, we honor the heroic service and sacrifice of our military and their families.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Join me, Joe Montana and me, Gary Sinise with Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Johnson, Mary McCormick, Laura Osnes, and Alan Jackson.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Tomorrow evening at seven.

Since 1937, the electric Cooperatives of Arkansas have been providing power to homes, farms and businesses across our state to cooperatives or member owned and work together to serve Arkansans.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas proudly support high school students and athletics in Arkansas, and hope you enjoy watching the state championship games on Arkansas TV, sports better connected together.

The electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

If you love watching the Arkansas high school championship sports on Arkansas TV, then help us keep this incredible coverage coming your way.

Just scan the QR code.

It's quick.

It's easy.

Just visit Arkansas tv.gov.

It's the only way we're going to continue to hear Michael's voice.

So please scan scan after.

Well it's quite the undertaking, Bobby, that you all have to be a part of.

And it's been good coverage, great coverage.

Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

And it's the final one of the three day event here as, over at Lakeside Soccer has wrapped up D Queen winning the four eight boys title.

And so this is the last championship matchup of the year.

Yeah.

Little little known fact I was born in D Queen okay.

All right.

Live there a whole ten days.

That's a quick move.

It was you had a job somewhere.

Yeah I, I packed it up and moved on.

Wow.

Yeah.

My dad was football coach.

And the day I was born, he got he got a different job.

Wow.

So we moved.

How about that?

Here's Chloe Thomas, our Arkansas TV sports star athlete, student athlete.

Bottom of the fourth inning.

Two.

Nothing been slow.

Little ground ball picked up by the shortstop.

Over to first for the out.

And it's one up and one down in the fourth.

That's a great start to the inning for Crane, who struggled finding the strike zone and the previous inning able to come.

Will settle down and get the leadoff hitter tonight.

And this brings up Oakley Travis the freshman, 678, in the batting order.

Kaylee Burr waiting on deck.

Long Jason Shirey, the head coach in his fifth full season for Farmington.

That will miss just inside.

No call the strike.

That late strike call there from the home plate umpire.

Yeah, that late movement makes it look like it's a ball.

But even from the plate to the catcher's mitt, it's continuing.

The dive in on that left handed hitter caught the corner.

Travis walked her first time up on that change.

Good job.

Now one on one.

The count.

It's in that pitch count for Rexy Crane, our player to watch for that 70 pitches now missing the strike zone again.

It's two and one.

She's yet again even stat line here.

Three walks, three strikeouts.

No Farmington's been patient, but they haven't been able to take advantage of the base runners left the bases loaded earlier in the contest.

They have only the one hit, but they've been they've been putting pressure on Benton.

But the Panthers have just been up to the task.

They've left five on base so far through three innings with one out in the bottom of the fourth.

Benton leads two.

Nothing pop up on the infield and the pitcher Crane calls everybody off and makes the catch.

So even when she's behind in the count, she's still hitting her spots.

Gets underneath of the hands there of Travis and gets the easy pop up.

Now two outs and a big spot here because she got the first two in the third as well.

And then a walk and then a walk.

And then it kind of took a little while.

See if she's able to have more of a shut down inning here in the fourth.

Kaylee Bur stands in the way of that and bird will take for a strike.

Oh, and one or was hit by a pitch back in the second inning.

But she's at the plate around.

No.

Not really.

Oh, you're fired.

You just playing that or with two doubles and two home runs this season, one misses low one and one.

Farmington in a really good job of laying off that changeup.

But they're picking it up right out of the hands.

Or the difference in speed is so different when once they realize, hey, this is way different than we're used to seeing, we're just going to lay off either way, they play one on one, the count from Crane and the pitch hard hit ball.

That one is going to go through for a base hit.

It's a two out single for Kaylee Berg to keep things going for Farmington in the bottom of the fourth inning.

They have some life here.

That's a great piece of hitting from Kaylee Bird is send that back from which it came right up the middle and Berg is farming to the two out base runner.

And again, the nine hole hitter is at the plate in a spot to move a runner.

We're going to have the courtesy runner come in here.

Lily Ferguson takes over.

At first base.

First reached both time.

She's been to the plate today.

Hit by a pitch and single back up the middle when she was hit by the pitch on the second that loaded the bases and then reached, Shirey grounded out five three to end the inning.

Here.

See the second baseman step in to the left handed box.

Runner on at first, two outs.

And that one to miss Lowe for ball one and no walk.

512 average for Shirey out of the nine hole.

Well she'll take for a ball two and oh so again trying to be patient here.

Maybe not able to get a hit.

Just trying to find any way to get on base.

She'll take a walk and keep things going.

The nine spot in the lineup for job.

Turn it over to the top.

Trying to do that.

To will count and takes for a strike.

Two and one taken all the way there.

Showed bunt but had no intention of trying to put one down.

Shirey was just going to take until she saw a strike.

Now she can go back to work.

Farmington winners of 14 of their last 15 games.

Ground ball on the infield picked up nicely by Jackson and will touch the bag at second to end the inning.

Gets the force out.

No runs, a hit, one left on and we played for Benton with a two nothing lead over Farmington.

Back in a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank, state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

For nearly 60 years, Arkansas's only statewide public television network has informed and inspired viewers across our state that commitment continues today with a renewed focus on local storytelling that reflects the people and communities we serve.

Arkansas TV is your public television station, and we can't do this without you.

If you're able, please consider making a gift today.

Your support strengthens education, storytelling, and communities across Arkansas.

Thank you for being a part of the Arkansas TV family.

Hello, I'm Doctor Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and a member of the Arkansas 250 Commission.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary, communities across Arkansas are preparing to celebrate our shared history.

We're working with local leaders to support meaningful, locally driven events that honor the people, places, and stories that shaped our state and nation.

Visit America, 258 arkansas.gov and join us as we connect with our nation's history.

Celebrate Arkansas unique story and contribute to the state's future success.

Back at Majestic Park, Jackie Robinson Field Benton leads two to nothing on Farmington.

Michael Westbrook, along with Bobby Swofford, almost looks like somebody painted that picture on right there.

Beautiful night for softball.

A very quick little rain shower that popped up over the course of not even a full half inning.

Just a couple of batters that's cleared out of the way.

And beautiful night to finish off the softball state championships.

It's London borough.

Aubrey Jackson, KB monarchs, 891.

In the batting order for the Benton Lady Panthers.

And back in the circle, Hadley Hayes saying right before the break.

Hard hit ball here.

That's foul.

Winners of 14 of their last 15 for Farmington, while holding teams to two runs or less in all but two of those games.

And the thing is here today, they might do that, but it wouldn't be enough to normally holding your opponent to two runs is good enough to win.

But when you're playing against a team that hasn't given up a run in the state tournament, giving up two could be a problem.

And Benton has won 18 of 19 and only allowed more than two runs in two of those games.

Little.

Excuse me.

Check.

Swing caught by Shari at second.

Good play by her to come in on that one to make the catch.

Yeah.

Hayes again, busting in on the hands and burrow couldn't check the swing up, as you just mentioned, an easy pop up on the infield for the first half.

Nine hole hitter.

The second baseman, the junior Aubrey Jackson, who's one for one so far today, though, singled back in the third inning and scored a run on that wild play.

A wild pitch.

She came home from third, and the throwing error from the catcher allowed six to score for the game's two runs.

Oh, and one.

The count to Jackson.

Fouls that one out of play, and it's oh and two.

Hayes is really settled down nicely after giving up the two runs on one play after the wild pitch, and then the throwing error by the catcher with the youngster in the circle has done a really good job of continuing to stay ahead of these Benton hitters and keeping them guessing.

That one's going to go foul as well.

It was caught caught in foul territory by the third baseman Tatum Ray.

Cough two up and two down.

Almost back to back.

Excuse me.

Swings at one two again.

Try to check the swing to Jackson and a little lazy.

Pop up to the third baseman and rake off.

Makes the easy play.

And you're right, she is settling in five in a row.

Retired now after the leadoff walk in the fourth.

And has retired seven of the last eight misses outside for a ball one and zero to the leadoff hitter.

KB Minx reached on an error in the third.

Struck out looking in the first.

If you look the stat line for Hadley Hayes, it's impressive for if you're Coach Shirey four and two thirds giving up just one hit.

Struck out three, walked only one and no earned runs.

But unfortunately Benton's already pushed two across of the unearned variety.

Mike fouls that one back.

So it's a ball and a strike now.

Benton seeking their fifth state title in the last six years.

And that one is outside for a ball.

Two and one.

It's one of the premier softball programs.

I mean, you can rattle off 4 or 5 that are in that conversation.

Bentonville obviously winning three straight six eight title.

Sheridan's in that conversation.

They've been so successful now the two one pitch from Hayes misses outside for ball three and one.

It's a short list there's no doubt.

Yeah.

Now the Benton faithful treated to a double header tonight didn't go their way for the baseball team earlier.

But a lot of fans got to see two games today trying to bun her way on again.

It's fouled back and the count goes full at three and two.

Yeah.

How impressive is Valley.

Well up against the juggernaut there.

You talk about a short list of the best teams in the state.

If you're going baseball you start with Valley no doubt.

You know obviously Springdale Harbor wins the championship and Pulaski Academy looks really good despite a couple rain delays yesterday.

Some really good spring sport talent.

And absolutely was it three of the last four for Harbor.

Yeah I believe yeah.

Three in a row for Valley View Harbor is a three seed this year.

But yeah some impressive talent.

Not only just baseball and softball soccer as well.

And crowned eight champions over the last two days here in Hot Springs.

The Bentonville and Harbor softball game was a fun one as well for a game, but, and it felt like a one nothing game for most of that one payoff pitch coming.

We've said that a time or two today.

Three balls, two strikes, misses.

Low ball four.

It's a two out walk as Mike is able to reach just the second free pass issued by Hays.

But Benton will take baserunners any time they can as Moore draws the Two-out walk.

And now Griffin gets another chance.

Griffin coming in, hitting 458 with 25 runs batted in.

And I talked to Hays for just a moment.

Home plate umpire coming out to move the conversation along Justin Hudspeth, runner at first.

Two outs, top of the fifth inning.

Benton leads Farmington two to nothing.

Chloe Thomas let's towel to her starting pitcher as well to help dry the hand.

Draw the arm.

Let's go to seven.

Well, it may not be raining at this exact moment.

A lot of moisture still on the playing surface.

Lake and Griffin will take the pitch and, the ball goes off of the runner.

It still was rolling around and all the way to third goes.

Moore thinks you've seen what Benton wants to do.

They want to put pressure on you any way they can, and they haven't had a ton of base hits in this contest.

But when they get runners on, they're going to put them in motion and be aggressive on the base.

Pass that throw to second.

Just off target tips off the glove and allows the runner to advance an extra base and now a wild pitch can put Benton on the board again and likely an E-6 there.

The throw was right on line from the catcher.

What time do you give that to the catcher?

But I think Gore probably wants that one back.

And now.

Oh, and two is the count to Laken Griffin.

And if you're Hays, you have to ignore all that noise that happened behind you.

The stolen base in the air.

Not worry about that runner at third.

Just go ahead and attack Griffin here.

Try to get the punch out.

That's what she did on the last pitch to go ahead.

Oh and two see if she goes after her.

She does swing and a miss scattered a chase just a bit.

Three pitches shuts down Lake and Griffin and strands a runner at third.

It is two to nothing, Benton.

They can't add any more there.

You're watching the Centennial Bank, state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV.

Sports.

Join the ranks of corporate sponsors and business partners at Arkansas TV.

Your support will shine a light on your business with recognition on air and at major community events.

Plus, our viewers love the businesses that underwrite their favorite programs.

Showcase your company while making a meaningful impact.

A lifelong learning partner with Arkansas TV to build a brighter future for our state.

Centennial Bank supports communities across Arkansas and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 bank com.

Oh.

Oh!

Basketball.

Welcome back to Majestic Park.

Benton has a two nothing lead on Farmington.

What a game this has been in the five eight state championship.

Really?

So much still to be determined here.

I mean, a two nothing game.

You get one base runner on, and all of a sudden magic could happen again.

So I hope you're staying with us through this one because it's certainly been a good one.

Here's Rexy Crane back in the circle, and there's the pitch swung on and hit for the leadoff single.

Just what we were talking about.

Tatum rake off with the hit and she had the game winner against Greenbrier.

The game they won 6 to 5.

So on a bit of a heater as of late.

But that's her first hit in this one.

Farmington had been so patient working deep into counts against Crane, trying to push that pitch count out, but not here.

First pitch swinging for rake off and she drops it in to the outfield.

And the Cardinals have the leadoff runner on.

Maybe one of the best opportunities for Farmington to scratch a run.

Top of the lineup and the runner is going to stay.

At first, Stewart wasn't sure jumped up out of that crouch position.

So Martinez, who struck out looking in the first and lined out in foul territory in the third.

Also trying to get her first base hit, Martinez hits 348.

Has to wonder if Farmington might want to play a little small ball.

Try to move that run in the scoring position, but trailing by two, they're going to let Martinez hit.

At least that was the indication through the first two offerings.

One home run for Martinez, 19 home runs as a team for Farmington.

The one one delivery takes right at the knees for a strike one and two.

That's a really good pitch there.

After the first two, you go away, then you come back inside and Martinez couldn't often come on 20.

Rexy Crane four innings, three hits, three walks, three strikeouts.

Now at one and two, comes home to Martinez.

And that's low for a ball count.

Evens two and two.

You're watching the Benton defense rotate.

Even with the left handed hitter.

The second baseman's coming over to the back.

Every time that Farmington tries to bluff a steal, that's going to leave a pretty big hole on that right side.

Absolutely.

Crane ready to deliver home the two.

Two and it's high in the count.

Goes full yet again.

Trains not careful.

Sure.

Nearing 100 pitches to get there this inning.

Nobody out.

Leadoff runner on base, Tatum, rake off with a single.

Payoff pitch swung on and missed.

You saw the excitement there from Crane.

She wanted that one to chase ball for.

That one was tailing in on the hands, but just it looked like a beach ball coming in and just could not catch up.

And that's a big strikeout.

So here's Hadley Hays, a chance to help her own cause.

First pitch misses for a ball one and zero.

The numbers for Hadley Hays, a 429 average slugging 964 out of her 36 hits, 24 of them for extra bases, 13 doubles, a triple and ten home runs.

One up puts a charge into that one foul one and one.

It's a big spot for Farmington.

Haven't had many leadoff runners on today.

They've had some opportunities with two outs.

How to find a way to move the runner, break off and try to push her across the plate.

Takes a low for a ball.

Two and one for Benton.

Two runs on only one hit.

No errors for Farmington.

No runs on three hits and four errors.

Crane hasn't been able to locate the changeup, and she's often it just enough to keep the Farmington hitters honest.

Crane, with the two one swung on, fouled down the first base line out of play again.

It's two and two now right here.

Just once we've seen a Farmington hitter try to go after that changeup.

But again he's continued to show it and put it in the back of the mind of those Farmington hitters.

London Borough first baseman over to talk with Crane for a moment.

Crane, delivering the two two pitch, swung on to right into the outfield.

The base hit rounding second.

Heading to third is Ray Koff, and it's first and third for Farmington.

With only one out.

Just what you talked about, Bobby.

Now, that time the second baseman wasn't moving.

Got it up the middle for the base hit.

It's a great piece of hitting by Hayes.

Just delivers that right over the pitcher's head and into that gap in right center field.

And as you mentioned Hays a chance to help herself.

She did just that with the Cardinals.

Now have runners on the corners and only one down.

And you've got the cleanup hitter at the plate, Kale Jones, the sophomore left fielder who has been on base both times in this game.

A single in the second and walked in the third and knows exactly who you want up at the plate.

If you're Farmington, second best on the team with 32 RBIs.

Farmington has left six runners on base in this game trying not to do that again here.

The bottom of the fifth pitch to Jones right down the middle for a strike.

And that's about maybe as good of a pitch as you're going to see in this at bat.

Crane likely missed her spot as that one tailed back over to the heart of the plate.

So rake off the runner at third.

Hays is over at first.

Oh one offering from Rexy.

Crane drops low for a ball and the runner is going to go from first to second.

Hays is into scoring position now second and third for Farmington with still only one out.

That's a really good heads up base running from Hays.

You recognize the Change-Up.

That one drops out of the zone.

The catcher can't field it cleanly.

Easy.

Stolen base.

They sit here and it could be a tie game.

Jones back in one ball, one strike.

And Rexy Crane.

And everybody calls time on a miscommunication between pitcher, catcher and coach trying to relay the signals.

Taking a little too much time for the comfort of Jones in the box.

The runner at third trying to get their first run of the game break off that pitches outside and high.

Stewart takes the mask off and pointing down the line there.

So yeah, having some communication issues.

I think.

Or maybe just making sure everybody's on the same page.

Crane ready to go.

Two balls and a strike and the pitch down the middle and throws Jones a bit.

Yeah I think that one caught Jones off guard as that one started in and tailed back just a little bit off that inside corner.

Now at two and two.

Crane with four strikeouts in the game.

Also walked three.

High leverage spot here two nothing Benton leads.

And the two two pitch high count goes full first bases open.

So a walk wouldn't be the end of the world.

Would set up a force play at any base.

Of course, she'd never want to get in the business of putting the Go-Ahead run on base.

Kael Jones, hitting for 38, will reach base, and they are indeed loaded again for Farmington.

Yeah, Rexy Crane did not like that call.

She thought she had strike three looking but does not get the benefit of it.

And Farmington, for the second time has the bases loaded.

Only one out in the inning.

Here's that pitch again.

5050 call doesn't go her way to go.

So with the bases loaded, it's now up to Emma Gore to keep things going for Farmington.

Reached on a fielder's choice in the second.

Flew out to right field in the third.

She how she plays Crane.

Take the first one high for a ball.

One and zero on the 100th pitch right there from Rexy Crane.

Horse drawn 14 walks this year, so she has some patience, but also a really good command of the strike zone.

365 average eight doubles this season.

That one's in for a strike.

Evens a count one and one.

I feel like if you're Farmington, you've got at least push one across here to have a chance.

Three of their first four have reached in the inning.

Bases loaded, only one out.

And time called again.

Pressure pack situation.

Already left them loaded.

Once that was back in the second pitch to Gore.

Swung on, lifted to the outfield.

The base hit and one run is in for Farmington.

They move up station to station and they've cut the deficit in half.

It's 2 to 1.

That's a great piece of hitting by Emma Gore.

Didn't barrel that one up, but able to muscle it off the hands just enough to dump it in front of the center fielder.

And as you mentioned, Michael Westbrook station, the station and the Cardinals not only score the first run of this championship, but the first run against Benton in the state tournament.

Incredible.

It outscored their opponents 22 to nothing coming in.

Great shot of the Farmington dugout a moment ago.

Fired up first team to get a run against Benton.

And they're still threatening.

Bases loaded.

Only one out.

Here's Chloe Thomas.

And Thomas takes high for a ball.

One and no.

And here the Farmington crowd starting to get in it with every pitch they no.

One base hit to the outfield could give them a lead.

And it's Hayes now at third base representing the tying run that one down the middle for a strike.

And it's one and one potential Go-Ahead run is Jones at second base.

And Gore, who just had the RBI single, is at first Thomas oh for two today.

One one Hyde outside two goals in a strike.

She struck out in the second and grounded out in the fourth.

Let's go take a time to come through with her first base hit.

Perhaps.

Pitch to Thomas lifted in the air foul territory and out of play in the count goes to two and two.

Have to find a way to win the battle.

Whether you're Thomas or Crane.

Know where to put the Farmington catcher.

You certainly don't want to run the count full.

To two from Crane.

Swung on and fielded by the third baseman.

Comes home for the out.

It's easy.

Morrow.

Great job at the hot corner throwing to Stewart and takes care of the lead runner.

Bases stay loaded.

Two down.

That's not as easy a play as she made it.

Look, as you have to avoid the runner and make a good, strong throw to the catcher at home.

She's able to do that and Morrow races the lead runner.

The damage is not done just yet.

Base is still loaded, but now to her down off.

Good.

And courtesy runner over at first base for Farmington.

And so you have Jones at third and Gore over at second.

It's a courtesy runner in there for Chloe Thomas the catcher.

And it'll bring Oakley Travis the freshman to the plate.

2 to 1 our score Benton leading.

But Farmington with a run here in the bottom of the fifth inning with their seventh batter to come to the plate.

And Travis will take the first one just a bit high for a ball one.

And oh, that was just out of the zone.

Whether it was a little out or a little up, maybe a combination of both.

But that was right on the edge of the zone.

But Farmington gets a benefit of that call.

Oakley Travis hitting 438 doubles, a triple and two home runs.

Take and it's out to one zero outside.

Peyton Stewart trying to do a nice frame job, but that one too far off the plate and just Hudspeth.

Too much of a veteran official will fall for that trick.

Lexi Crane behind in the count.

Here comes the two.

Oh!

Swung line on the ground.

Left side that's threw.

It's a base hit.

A run is in for Farmington.

They tied the game.

Kale Jones scores on the RBI single from Oakley.

Travis the freshman comes up with a huge bases loaded two out base hit the other way to slaps it through the hole on the left side.

And just like that we are tied at two in this five eight championship game.

What a game.

And Farmington, having left six runners on base coming into the inning, is able to capitalize this time in the fifth for two and still threatening Kaylee Berger, the senior is at the plate.

She is reached every time she stepped into the box tonight.

A chance to do that again, but put Farmington in the lead, hit five pitch in the second, singled on the fourth corner.

Now representing the Go-Ahead run at third.

I've actually brought in a pinch hitter.

Here is Gardenhire.

Yes.

So Gordon Dyer who's playing first base gets the at bat here.

With Piper Gardenhire.

Batting 267.

For Baez on the year does have a pair of doubles.

Gardenhire but only 37 at bats all season.

Now, one ball and one strike.

And that's that one missed.

Eighth batter in the inning.

Caught.

Trying to untie A22 game.

And Rexy Crane calls time again.

You can tell.

Yeah, yeah, as Crane's not comfortable with either the signal or the situation.

And that's that's that's a veteran pitcher right there.

She's a junior.

Been in a lot of big spots.

If I'm not comfortable to step off and reset.

Now the one one to Gardenhire down low two balls and a strike crane four and two thirds.

Four walks, four strikeouts.

Looking for the big pitch to get her team out of the inning.

Hard hit ball.

That's foul.

Oh, that would have brought in a few.

The Pugh's the runner at second.

You can see her in the shot from our centerfield camera.

She's bouncing off the that second base bag with each delivery to mark.

Oh.

Hey everybody take a deep breath here.

Two and two are score.

Bottom of the fifth inning.

Huge situation for both sides.

Bases loaded.

Two, two count.

Pitch from Crane swung on and missed.

Gardenhire goes down on the high heat.

The bases stay loaded, but Farmington they get two across and we are tied at two apiece.

The Benton Lady Panthers come to bat next.

Farmington ties it all up.

You're watching the Centennial Bank, state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

As our nation marks 250 years, we honor the heroic service and sacrifice of our military and their families.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Join me, Joe Montana and me, Gary Sinise with Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Johnson, Mary McCormack, Laura Osnes, and Alan Jackson.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Tomorrow evening at seven.

UAMs is a proud supporter of Arkansas sports.

You and us help provide orthopedic and sports cure across Arkansas, supporting athletes and teams throughout the state.

Find out more UAMs health.

Com.

Two runs across for Farmington in the bottom half of the fifth inning, and it's a whole new game again.

Two two.

Our score between Benton and Farmington again turned into a great night for softball here at Majestic Park.

Jackie Robinson Field Michael Westbrook along with Bobby Swofford and our entire Arkansas TV sports team.

We appreciate you being with us all three days through all the games, the delays and the wins.

And here we go.

First pitch swinging picked up nicely by the third baseman.

Tatum.

Rake off over to Garner at first.

One up and one down as Payton Stewart is retired.

That was a rocket to third.

But Rakoff in the right place at the right time and had plenty of time to make the throw across the diamond.

And one pitch, one out.

And Farmington has all the momentum they do.

Audrey Giovanna is at the plate, the four hole hitter, then A.C.

Lackey is three for five in the order.

On the corner for a strike.

Even though they've got two runs on the board.

Benton still trying to solve the puzzle.

It is Hadley Hays, only one base hit for the Panthers tonight.

There's the pitch right back to Hays.

She caught it.

Oh my goodness.

The comebacker.

Well, she wasn't awake before that point.

She's awake now.

A line drive right back at the pitcher.

And that's why you see the majority of pitchers wear that face mask, because that ball can get back to you in a hurry.

But the reflexes, they work for Hadley Hays.

You need it.

Look at this.

And I think she celebrated it quicker than the ball got to her.

So what a grab.

But she is going to take a moment to regroup though.

After that one.

Can't say we blame her for that.

No doubt.

I want to get your heart rate up.

So two down in the inning on just a handful of pitches.

And you're right.

If you're Benton, you need to see a few pitches here.

You don't want to go down in order and just have all that momentum with Farmington.

Yeah, that's in for a strike to AC Lackey.

Here.

Oh, excuse me.

That is, What do we got there, Bobby?

Sorry.

Cameron.

Cole Gallacher coming in.

Outfielder, senior for Benton.

And they get a shot with two outs here in the sixth.

And big numbers for her as well.

Hitting 519.

Starting lineup.

One one lifted out of play one and two.

Hits Rader see 519 coming off the bench.

But Heidi Cox knows her team better than anybody.

She's going to try to push all the right buttons of a tie game late in this championship contest.

Again, just one hit so far for Benton, and that pitch is outside.

Two balls and two strikes.

One hit was back in the third inning.

Nine hole hitter Aubrey Jackson.

You body cam.

Two and two count.

Here comes the pitch from Hadley Hays.

Outside and low on the count goes for three and two.

We've seen very few one, two, three innings.

Both sides had one in the first.

And then after that get the first two outs and kind of mess around a little bit happens here.

The two out walk has been pretty prevalent tonight in this five title game at the last inning for Hadley Hays.

Well she was able to get a strikeout to end the inning.

Cameron Cole her at the plate swings away, fouled out of play and the count stays full.

You see the experience.

And Coach Liger here.

She's not rattled by the moment.

Fouls off another offering and we'll do it again.

Here it is now with 73 pitches 50 of those for strikes two walks, four strikeouts on the left side that is threw for a base hit down the line and heading to second.

Sliding in safely.

Ball gets away.

She'll stay at second base.

Pinch hitter comes through.

What a great piece of hitting from the slap hitting lefty.

This shoots that the other way and gets all the way to the corner.

And just like that bit not going away quietly as they've got a two out runner in scoring position.

And it brings up as Morrow.

Morrow, looking for her first hit, struck out in the second.

And grounded out on a bunt in the fourth.

Apply for a ball one and oh, she hit the three yard run.

Yes!

All right.

Sacrifice.

Yep.

Benton, trying to counter after giving up the two runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Man.

Two runs came in the third inning that time called for.

It's a good opportunity to call time.

You got the first two outs, then you give up the base, hit a two count just to calm things down for the freshman in the circle.

You know, this looked like she was in cruise control.

And then the full count and the slap hit the other way for extra bases.

Just don't want to give those that run back.

They finally got back into the game.

Your offense is showing some life.

The last thing you can afford to do if you're Farmington here is let Benton regain the lead.

Just the second hit that Hadley Hays has given up, that runner at second popped up on the right side foul territory.

And that's going to go to the seats to the fans and make it A21 count.

She ran out of room with Thomas, popped out of her crouch, ran into the netting.

Now the two one hard hit ball to left.

It's caught going down to a need.

Kale Jones making the grab.

Two out double for Benton, but nothing more.

No runs.

They hit one left on as it is A22 game.

We're back in a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Consumers today want more information on where their food comes from on food safety, animal welfare and environmental concerns.

America's heartland introduces you to those people at the heart of modern agricultural production.

America's heartland is farm fresh and original, giving consumers the opportunity to better understand how agriculture impacts our lives.

Tomorrow morning at 11.

Everett Buick GMC provides vehicles to Arkansans and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports.

More at Everett BJ Nme.com.

Bottom of the sixth inning, 2 to 2.

Our score between Benton and Farmington.

What a game.

Farmington getting two runs in the fifth and a little momentum here into the bottom of the sixth as will face off against Rexy Crane yet again.

Just been a really great game here.

It has been in Farmington and that patience early in the game looks like it's paying off.

As they run out through the lineup a couple times, they see what Crane has and they're starting to be more aggressive and going at the right hander from it.

Yeah, she's thrown 115 pitches, 62 of those for strikes as the first offering to reach misses high for a ball one and zero.

It's 912 in the batting order for the lady Cardinals came into the game with a 24 and four record.

Want a state championship two years ago.

Class for a four state titles overall.

Two oh count to Shirey, who's zero for two so far.

Of course, the program started with Randy Austin, who was in the finals for Springdale Harbor earlier this weekend.

Ball picked up nicely by Crane off of one.

Hop over to first for the out.

Lost us, but I guess you can call him the godfather of Arkansas high school softball.

The most wins ever by a coach and a bunch of success in Farmington.

And obviously Shari's been able to to take that momentum and continue to push it forward as they move up in classification.

Farmington, just west of Fayetteville.

They're certainly benefiting from the boom in northwest Arkansas, not only in softball but in every sport.

Now here's Tatum Rake off and that one is in for a strike.

Nice pitch.

That time from Crane.

Rake off.

Got things started in the fifth inning.

It was a leadoff single.

Ultimately came around to score the first run of the game for Farmington.

Just one for three.

Crane delivers the oh one low and inside one and one.

Potato.

All in a strike.

Go!

Bottom of the sixth inning.

Talked a lot about both these teams holding their opponents to two runs or less.

It's going to take more than that.

And this one is to get the win.

Fouled back ball and two strikes.

Now to Tatum Rakoff I was a gambling man.

I would have set the over under on one and a half.

It was runs needed to win.

So yeah, I'm with you.

I didn't think that either one of them would needed three, but it's.

Richie Crane is, switching shoes in the circle.

And where did the other shoes come from all of a sudden?

Well.

And got teammates helping out.

Wow.

Total team sport.

You don't take your shoes off.

We got your back.

So going away from the spikes, looks like she's going to more of the tennis shoe okay.

Of course the artificial turf Benton's used to playing on turf.

They play on it all year long.

So nothing different from what they're playing on here and what they played on all year.

What they play on year round and travel ball is something she didn't like mid count though.

That's right.

And there you go.

Six.

Well that's a fun delay.

Yeah yeah I don't see that very often.

Didn't have that on my bingo card.

No here we are.

See, when we do bowling I'll be able to talk about the shoes they have to wear out there.

And I'll be prepared now.

Yes.

I don't I don't rent them at the high school level.

They bring them where you go.

Yeah, yeah.

All right.

Well, new pair of shoes ready to go.

Two two game.

Bottom of the sixth.

See how it works out for Lexi Crain.

And A12 count to Rakoff fouled back.

All right.

So here we go.

A lot of these players in this lineup for Benton set to play at the next level a change to two.

Ground ball on the infield picked up by Meeks at short over to first in time for the out two up and two down here in the six.

What a strong throw from Morgan.

That was going to be a bang-bang play as quickly out of the box.

But you can see the foot just doesn't beat the ball.

Really good call by the first base umpire Eric Wallace.

And two are retired now here in the sixth.

I thought she play there.

I thought she was safe on, you know, watching it with the naked eye.

I was going back to the replay crew out there.

Got it correct.

Got it right.

Two down in the inning and bases empty.

Let's guys do the Lord's work.

But everybody wants to complain about them.

But they couldn't play without them.

Oh that's true.

Great job tonight Credit Rex.

Of course she can challenge in the seventh inning so not quite there yet.

Yeah.

New this year started last year.

Yeah.

Arkansas is the only state in the country with good replay available at the high school baseball and softball level.

It's an experiment granted by the national federation.

So Arkansas installed it last year.

It'll be a three year experiment.

And then likely be released the rest of the country.

Well, that's one the Destinee Martinez wishes she had back fooled on the pitch.

Strike, but no appeal to swing.

Yeah, she going to say she definitely went around.

Yep.

And that's when the changeup.

That's why you continue to show it.

Yeah.

Eventually it's going to work.

When you talk about a a good call a moment ago on a tough call, that was an easy one for Derek Williams, I believe.

Another ground ball scooped up again by six.

But no throw, no chance there.

Another speedy runner for Farmington.

A great job to keep that ball on the infield by monarchs.

But once she had to go down to the turf, there would not be near enough time to get back to her feet and make a throw.

And once again, it's a two out base runner as Farmington keeps the inning alive with a runner on at first and two down in the bottom of the sixth, with Hadley Hays, a star for Farmington, has a chance to keep things going.

She was able to do that in the fifth inning with a single, and will take low below the feet there for a ball.

Is that one bounced up into the glove.

On base twice.

Also had a walk in the third and struck out in the first.

You know, Hays obviously leads Farmington in every pitching category but leads in a lot of statistical categories ten homers, 45 RBIs.

She can do it all credible numbers for the freshman.

And one tie outside of snap throw over to first safe.

Also want to see if Farmington wants to be aggressive and try to put Martinez in motion.

We've seen that she can cover a lot of ground in center field.

I also don't want to take the bat out of your best player pitch to Hays.

Able to hold up on that one outside and it's three another pitching very carefully to Hadley Hays, with Martinez second on the team with 13 stolen bases.

She's 13 out of 15 this year.

Three okay, let's see what they offer to Hays right down the middle.

She's taking all the way for a strike three and one.

Baseball a lot of times we see you've got one of your better hitters.

Your go ahead and put that runner in motion because the worst thing happens, you get thrown out.

But the hitter gets this lead off the next frame.

Let's see if Rexy Crane throws or something to hit again.

Here comes A31 and she's taking again.

There goes the runner.

The throw is out in front.

A bit late and on to second goes Destinee Martinez.

You called it Bobby.

So I like the idea there.

Even though it's in the zone you try to steal second baseman.

Now anything into the outfield, you've got a chance to take a lead.

Hays as a freshman, a chance to put her name in the state championship record books here.

Perhaps as, her high school career just starting it could start in a big way.

So it's a payoff pitch from Rexy Crain to Hadley Hays, and she swings away.

Now back.

Big cut from Hays.

Not shortening up.

Not trying to put it in play.

She was trying to put that amongst the fans out in left field.

And quite a few of them out there standing.

In fact.

Though again, another payoff pitch.

Seen a number of those runner at second.

And the pitch is low ball for not the end of the world.

Of course you don't want to block batters, but with first base open after Martinez had stolen second and you know you don't want Hays to beat you, so you issue the free pass and then now you've got a force at any base.

Can you bag at least not the plate, of course.

And now it's Kale Jones.

Similar situation to last inning.

Able to reach base on a walk for runners at first and second.

Go ahead, run in scoring position.

She'll go after the first one.

Fouled back.

Strike one.

That's Martinez at second base.

You got it right.

Look about balance for Jones 18 singles 14 doubles.

Wow.

And Jones hits this one on the right side but picked up by Jackson.

Over to first for the out.

For three ground out.

Couple of base runners left on for Farmington as Rexy Crane works out of the Lady Cardinals threat.

There we are heading to the seventh in A22 game.

Back in a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

Tomorrow at 1130.

For over 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has offered coverage for automobiles, homes, farms and lives across Arkansas.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association.

More at AFB, Icom.

Seventh inning at Majestic Park.

All tied up.

Benton, lady Panthers two, Farmington lady Cardinals two.

What a game!

Two runs on two hits for Benton and for Farmington.

Two runs on seven hits.

Farmington's left, 11 runners on base.

You look at that number and the coach Shirey, if it doesn't go your way, that's the big double digit number that's going to stick out.

Well, I mean, you've got 11 left on base and four errors.

You think you're probably losing this game by a lot.

But Farmington found a way to push two across in the fifth inning.

And now we've got a winner.

Go home time now.

We also review is on the tables for the seventh inning or after any safer out call out a base can be challenged by the coaches.

Just talked about that last inning.

So see if it comes into play Corbin Keene, London Borough Aubrey Jackson bottom three in the lineup for Benton.

And again Hadley Hayes in the circle.

First two pitches missing.

It's now two.

And oh so this is that time of the game that you try to get a base runner on any way you possibly can, so you'll see hitters be a little more patient, sometimes even taking until you get one in the strike zone.

Keene oh, for two so far today.

Swing away at that one foul, two balls and a strike.

Yeah, no patience there.

She found a good pitch to hit in the zone and is fouled it away.

Pop up to the second baseman in a second and a ground out in the fourth.

Let's go Corbin Harley let's go.

Sophomore against a freshman in a high leverage situation.

Seventh inning and a tie game.

Keene at the plate takes inside three and one.

If you're Hayes, you have to come in at Keene.

You cannot afford to issue a free pass to start the seventh.

Yeah, only two walks so far for Hadley Hayes.

Go along with four strikeouts.

Hitters count and the pitch popped up on the infield.

And the first baseman right there.

Gardenhire it's one up and one down in the seventh.

I don't know if you can stress how big that pitch was from Hayes.

It starts over the middle part of the plate, and then it dives in on the hands of the right handed hitter and just couldn't get the hands in time.

Jam the hitter.

Easy pop up by Corbin and then easy play made on the infield.

Got her on the three one count.

So one out, bases empty.

London Borough at the plate and she'll swing away at the first pitch as well.

But it's Gore that's short.

Over to first very quickly.

Two up and two down.

And Benton just had two hits in the contest.

And they've hit several hard, especially in the last couple innings or a double by coach like her.

She came in the pinch hit that bit of a missile right out to left fielder this time.

This inning, the advantage to Farmington takes.

It's Aubrey Jackson at the plate hitting 350 this season.

She has one of those two hits and she'll swing at this one out of play.

Oh, and one base is empty.

Two outs, top of the seventh.

Benton two of 22 today.

And the ball.

Oh 91.

Batting average against Hayes.

You know, one delivery a pile, one ball, one strike.

I don't know how do.

Talking about all these players for Benton going off to play college at the next level.

Actually none for Farmington because they've got such a young team there will be in a couple of years.

Yes.

There is no doubt in three years or maybe just two years for some of these juniors, they're going to be going to play in college.

But a lot of sophomores, a lot of freshmen in this roster for Farmington, one and two now and Hadley Hayes a strike away from shutting them down in order.

Pitch to Aubrey Jackson outside.

Two balls and two strikes.

Rexy Crain on the other side.

Going to go to Missouri State.

Down by the school of Hayes.

Over 90 pitches now.

And that one caught on the short end of the batter there looked like and fouled out of play all around the hands.

Got it.

You can see the movement for Crain.

You mentioned she's going to Missouri State.

That's that's a Division one type.

Ha.

Yeah.

You can tell by watching her work in the circle that she's got a chance to to pay for college and maybe even make a little money, play in the sport.

Two two from Hayes.

Fouled back again.

Quite a battle going here with Aubrey Jackson again is one for two.

Singled and scored a run back in the third inning.

Let's go for yourself.

But throw two runs on two hits.

Her bill works two runs on seven hits for Farmington.

A little bit of a delay with Chloe Thomas, the catcher.

Something in her eye, I think.

Yeah.

You know, anytime you play on the artificial surface, which a lot of these teams do all year anyway, you know, rubber pellets have a tendency to jump up and get you got play.

Here comes A22 delivery from Hayes right down the middle.

Strike three looking and she is fired up as we go to the bottom of the seventh inning in A22 game, Farmington a chance to win it late.

Check it out again as we go to the break.

Paints the corner.

Hayes is fired up.

Farmington chance to walk it off.

Hey.

Hey you.

We know what you did.

And we think you're just the most magnificent person ever.

Because you support public television and you did it by donating your car to our station.

Vehicle donations like yours bring significant funding to the quality news and programing you turn to every day.

So now it's time to celebrate you and all of our supporters that keep us going.

Centennial Bank supports communities across Arkansas and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 bank com.

Oh oh.

Oh, the fans on the berm out there in the outfield as they're watching on.

Fantastic finish in the five a state championship game.

It's going to be a perfect exclamation mark on the weekend.

A22 game in the bottom of the seventh inning.

And first pitch swinging for Emma Gore.

Strike one.

It'll be Chloe Thomas after Gore and then Oakley.

Travis, 567, in the batting order against Rexy Crane.

The Gore single her last time up in the fifth.

That's big for Crane to to get ahead in the counts.

And now she can work her pace.

And now it's oh two.

I go anywhere as the pitcher in the circle for single in the fifth.

Left at third base.

Flew out to right field in the third and reached on a fielder's choice in the second.

Oh two high fly ball left field playable and it is caught by Laken Griffin.

One up and one down in the bottom of the seventh.

That's good contact.

Dismissed.

The barrel.

Just enough as that one was lifted high by Gore in the left field, and Crane might have got a lay with one there, but still gets the out.

So it brings up Chloe Thomas, the senior catcher, had her still looking for her first hit in the game.

She'll swing away.

Fouled out of play.

Chloe Thomas hitting 345.

Four doubles two home runs driven in 21.

Reached on a fielder's choice in the fifth.

Grounded out in the fourth.

Struck out in the second pitch from Crane.

High for a ball one and one.

Just left that changeup way out of the zone.

But again, just trying to slow down the bat of Thomas.

That way you come back in the fastball, try to buster in on the hands.

One one from crane hit to right center.

That's down for a base hit.

Giovanna brings it back in, but it's a one out single for Farmington.

Crane.

Mr.

Spot there.

That one caught way too much of the plate.

And Thomas, a really good hitting catcher.

The sends that one right back up the middle.

That's right down Broadway.

Sends it back.

And Farmington's got a one out base runner in the bottom of the seventh.

And I would imagine they're going to take the catcher out.

They are bringing the courtesy runner.

Did that the last time that Thomas was able to get on base on that?

Drive.

It's Reilly Montez in the game at first running, representing the game winning run and at the plate is Oakley Travis Montez, another sophomore for Farmington.

I want to know the count.

Oakley Travis on base twice in the game.

A single in the fifth.

Walk in the second and sends this one to left field, high in the air.

But it is caught.

That's Griffin again who comes down with the catch.

And now there's two outs in the inning.

Another one that does get underneath it did Travis that one time.

Lazy fly ball to left field.

Now Crane just one out away from sending this one to extras.

The.

Stats have Depew running at first, so we'll go with that.

And at the plate again it's Gardenhire who hit last inning.

Piper Gardenhire at the plate.

She calls time.

Two down runner on at first in A22 game.

Bottom of the seventh inning.

Pitch to Gardenhire.

Foul back and it's one and two.

Excuse me.

One on, one on this is every pitch so critical.

And you can start to hear it.

Feel the tension in the ballpark is jam.

All it's going to take is one play that could send us home.

Good shot there a moment ago, that is Olivia Depew over at first base pitch to Gardenhire, and she takes for a strike at the knees.

Yeah, that's the best changeup we've seen from Crane all evening.

Longest yanks it back and there's nothing that Gardenhire can do but watch it catch the inside corner for two, where Crane 143 pitches, trying to get one more out, and Gardenhire sends it to right field.

That is a fair ball.

Depew touches third rounds home.

Here comes the throw.

Depew scores.

Gardenhire the game-winning hit.

Farmington has walked it off.

They beat Benton in the five state championship game 3 to 2.

What a great piece of hitting in a tough spot.

Gardenhire brought in in the fifth.

Is a pinch hitter.

Goes the other way, squirts away from Keene and right field, and the pinch runner comes all the way around from first and Farmington not only scores the first run against Benton, they score the last run against Benton in the state tournament.

And how about a walk off winner?

Oh wow.

Oh wow.

What a hit Depew scoring from first it did indeed take three runs to win it.

And Farmington has the three.

They beat Benton 3 to 2.

We're back for the trophy presentation and the announcement of the MVP.

In just a moment.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.

As our nation marks 250 years, we honor the heroic service and sacrifice of our military and their families.

The national Memorial Day concert.

Join me, Joe Montana and me, Gary Sinise with Noah Wyle, Melissa Leo, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Johnson, Mary McCormick, Laura Osnes, and Alan Jackson.

The National Memorial Day concert.

Tomorrow evening at seven.

Join the ranks of corporate sponsors and business partners at Arkansas TV.

Your support will shine a light on your business with recognition on air and at major community events.

Plus, our viewers love the businesses that underwrite their favorite programs.

Showcase your company while making a meaningful impact on lifelong learning.

Partner with Arkansas TV to build a brighter future for our state.

Want to see more Arkansas stories?

Subscribe to Arkansas TV on YouTube for original productions extras from your favorite local programs, and our exclusive coverage of high school sports, all available on demand.

Scan the QR code to subscribe now.

Everett Buick GMC provides vehicles to Arkansans and supports local organizations.

Community involvement has been part of our story for generations.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports.

More at Everett BJ Nme.com.

Centennial Bank supports communities across Arkansas and is a proud supporter of the Arkansas Activities Association and Arkansas TV sports, providing financial services since 1999.

Member FDIC.

More at my 100 Bank.

Com.

For over 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has offered coverage for automobiles, homes, farms, and lives across Arkansas.

Proud to support the Arkansas Activities Association.

More at AFB KGW.com.

Welcome back.

You see Farmington with the championship trophy.

The smiles and the celebration as they walk it off in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The base hit from Gardenhire scores Depew, and they've got the banner and the trophy to take home.

And the announcement of the MVP in just a moment.

What a finish.

Bobby to the to the state championship year for that matter.

Not just this game.

Yeah no question I mean it was a great year in high school athletics in Arkansas.

And and here are the highlights for this.

But you know Farmington falls behind two to nothing on this play.

Two runs come in to score a wild pitch and then a throwing error.

But Farmington had the patience early.

And then they just continued to chip away.

Put pressure on Benton.

And the offense finally broke through two in the fifth and obviously had a huge, huge walk off winner in the seventh.

Two runs on two hits.

No errors for Benton.

Three runs on nine hits and four errors for Farmington.

But yet they find a way at the end.

And Hadley Hays, she did it at the plate.

She did it in the circle.

That comeback catch that she had was impressive, and she has just been named the MVP of this game as well.

So the freshman I mean, you talk about, already putting your name out there as one of the best players, and she's done all this as a freshman, as a freshman.

And you can just say the target is clearly on the back of Farmington for years to come because of what they did today and what she's going to be able to do in the future.

You can celebrate this championship with Farmington by getting your championship apparel now from image one is Visit Arkansas High School sports.com to find apparel and memorabilia.

That's Arkansas high school sports.com not only for Farmington but all the other championships from weekend of Champions this weekend.

Well, Bobby, I hope that you got a little bit of rest in the next couple of months.

Want to thank all of our camera operators as they had to battle the weather throughout the last three days and appreciate those guys and everything they did at both fields and of course, everybody in the truck as well.

Just a fantastic crew over the last three days, some long days, but it's a lot of fun.

And it was a great finish as at three two.

Final was the score as Farmington beat Benton for Bobby Swofford.

I'm Michael Westbrook and our entire Arkansas TV sports crew.

Thanks for watching.

You've been watching the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships on Arkansas TV sports.