Lost rival.

It's the final game of the Centennial Bank state baseball and softball championships, a game that was originally scheduled for Saturday morning.

It got pushed to Wednesday today, 3:00, due to the weather.

And it's the final game of the Arkansas high school baseball season.

A lot on the line for the straight to a state title.

Riverside and Cedar Ridge, as we welcome you to Everett Field here and Benton, Arkansas, alongside my good friend Josh neighbors.

I'm JD Brazile and what we anticipate to be a great contest.

It's the first ever trip to the state title game for Riverside in Cedar Ridge.

Only one team gets to take home the hardware.

Josh, this is what it's all about.

Yeah.

These young men, they've been waiting.

You know, they thought they're going to wake up on Saturday and play in a state title game.

And guess what?

They had to wait until Wednesday.

So that anxiety has been building for them, but I'm sure it'll be nice for them to get back out on the field and play for that to a state championship they're waiting for for four days.

We take a look at Riverside.

They're the visiting team and it's a sophomore, Maddox Stone.

He's no stranger to the big moments though.

Younger brother of Gavin Stone.

So baseball is in the blood.

Yep.

And he's been fantastic.

Hitting 388 with eight two baggers this year, 23 RBIs driven in on the season.

So he's a powerful force, a 505 on base.

So he's always putting pressure on opposing defenses.

The sophomore going to lead the rebels.

But then for the Timberwolves, it's their shortstop senior Kyle Providence trying to lead the Timberwolves to their first ever state title.

Yeah he's had a big year in a big postseason.

So they're five for 11 with four runs driven in in the postseason.

But he's in a 1.408 Ops which is outstanding.

He is a power hitter.

He can do a little bit of everything.

He's got a 610 on base.

So this guy frequently on the basepaths as well and also doing a ton of damage with the bat.

We had tumultuous weather on Saturday today much better.

76 degrees is the scheduled temperature and it is a beautiful day for baseball baseball weather from Benton, Arkansas.

We'll have the first pitch of th Our broadcast of this championship game is made possible by.

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One, two three.

A change is happening.

Let the group take over.

You just have a.

The Age of Discovery is now here.

You know what it is.

Stuff.

I am quite overwhelmed.

That's a joy to be in this world.

Of the good stuff.

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It's almost go time from Benton, Arkansas.

Let's take a look at the rebels starting lineup offensively.

The batting order for the rebels.

They'll start things off with Grayson Timms, Bryce Smith, Caden Cavazos is the three hole hitter.

Gillis Emery and then Maddox Stone, the shortstop.

Thatcher Durham.

Jackson man.

Caden Richardson, the win rock automotive batting order and they'll face a pitcher Aiden Jones, in the Big Dance.

Jones on the year 56, in a third innings pitched with a 1.24 ERA, and we are underway.

First pitch of the ballgame is a strike to begin for Cedar Ridge.

Jones looking to work quickly.

He's had a great year.

He's led the team in innings 56.

He's made 12 appearances.

11 of those have been starts.

Obviously they've relied on a lot in the 1.243 earned run average coming in.

First pitch to Tamara Oh would rip down the right field line.

That's trouble a base not to begin the ballgame.

Riverside.

Bring it out the sticks.

And it's a leadoff single.

Yeah.

Nice job there goes with that pitch.

Look there was up able to get that thing down.

Great contact and get yourself on board.

So putting pressure on immediately because how good these teams have been especially on the mound this year, they're maybe not accustomed to having as much pressure applied to them at all points of the game.

I think these two offenses have a chance of doing that to each other to that.

So a good start for Riverside.

Bryce Smith, the right fielder now due up the lefty standing in a 381 average.

It's a guy that's been really productive out of the two hole four triples 22 runs driven in.

Yeah they keep checking on the runner.

At first it's close.

Diving back in was Bryson Timmons but I'm down to Aiden Jones.

He's making sure to keep a close eye over at first base.

Get Moser speed over there with Tim Zone knows something about this team.

They don't strike out of time.

They did a really good job this year with their approach and they rarely get cheated at bats.

What more can you ask for, right?

Yep.

Rebels do a good job applying pressure to the pitching staff.

Aiden Jones, a senior, one of the four seniors for the Timberwolves in the lineup, would love a double play ball right here.

Bryce Smith trying to battle at the dish.

They keep checking on Tims over first base and they got him picked him off.

Tim's leading and that's the first out of the ballgame.

Yeah there's different schools of thought.

You know when you pick over obviously there's speed at first you want to keep them close, but you have a chance to continually maybe mess up there.

And they kept in close and a good job picking them off.

There's a look at the defensive lineup when Roark Automotive defensive line up toward Dawson Ingles Jace McNeil left right in the outfield.

Brown province Bruce and Horton.

Horton the man at first it made that pickoff play.

Caden Stevens will be the catcher.

Aiden Jones on the bump for Cedar Ridge.

Lefty waits opposite field line drive into the gap over the head of the shortstop.

Providence back to back singles for Riverside, but with the runner getting picked off, it's one aboard with one out.

That's why that that out is so important because right there, especially with the speed, I mean, he gets a good break with the way that ball was lofted.

You could see him go first there.

Most likely not.

But still a chance for that.

And it would have been a runner in scoring position.

But because they were persistent in picking them off at least attempt wise going got him in on first.

Caden Cavazos first pitch on.

Skies it into right field.

McNeil is over.

Got plenty of room and that's out.

Number two.

Colossus flies out to right field.

It'll be all up to cash.

Gillis.

If Riverside is going to be able to do anything at the top of the first.

Yep.

Jones has been pitch into contact.

Now the one thing on watchers, he's left some high strikes.

So that's something to be careful of.

He's up some very Hittable pitch has gotten some weak contact though, so far.

So he's, attacking the zone.

I like that for him.

Not a super high strikeout guy out as the starting pitcher.

Runners on the move to second base, and he will swipe it.

No problems.

Pitch was up.

And in the catcher, Stevens had problems with the transfer a stolen base and an RBI opportunity.

Now for cash.

Gillis.

Yep.

So pitcher here has a chance to help out his own cause in the first 318 hitter is Gillis.

He's got quite a bit of power.

Five home runs leads the team also paces the program with 32 RBI's on the season.

He is your stereotypical cleanup guy.

Yeah.

I mean, he's the only guy on you know, the team that's got more than one home run, right?

And part of that could be a function of ballpark.

We see that all the time.

But five innings, he can go deep at any time.

This is a scenario for Aiden Jones a little bit of pressure applied.

It's a hitter's count.

Now to cash deal his first base open.

You certainly don't want to make a mistake to this guy.

Yeah this is not not the time to do it.

But you can live with a fly ball in the situation.

And that might be what they get into.

Shallow left shortstop going out.

Who wants it?

It'll be the left fielder Ty Ward underneath it.

And Cedar Ridge dances with trouble.

Able to get around it.

The Timberwolves coming to bat for the first time after this.

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It's being able to get through trials and tribulations as a team.

You take those lessons from team sports and use them in everyday life situations.

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Let's take a look now at Cedar Ridge's batting order to begin.

Kyle Provence, our feature player to watch, will lead things off.

Aiden Jones and DJ Brown to follow.

And then Wesley Horton will bat if anyone reaches out of the cleanup spot.

Ty Ward, Caden Stevens at five and six and then McNeil, Bruce and Engels will round out the win.

Rock automotive batting order for the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves 24 and six on the year.

Boy they love that big number 25 to bring home the first ever state title back to New York.

Arkansas.

And they will face the cleanup hitter for Riverside previously that into the last inning cash Gillis will be towing the slam for the rebels.

Gillis he's a guy with really good stuff, good numbers, 25 and two thirds innings pitch.

And you know, he had to be the guy after Zane McClure went down.

He was the go to guy McClure goes down to the postseason boy next man up.

And Gillis is given the ball 25 and two thirds innings 4.36 ERA for the righty.

It's a big moment as Cal Province will be standing in to face him.

Ronnie on ready?

Yep.

And he's a high strikeout guy.

36 K's in his 25 and two thirds innings work.

So you know that big in that big frame too I mean that's you see a lot of guys who are able to use that big frame to overpower right that long release point.

And you can get that going downhill makes it really difficult on hitters at this level to see that thing coming up, because it looks like it's coming out so much closer to you, and if it's got velocity, it even goes that much faster.

So but he does leave it, you know, to be hit there just just a bit and I walk.

I only nine walks in the year but has allowed 24 hits.

16 runs.

All of those runs have been earned.

So a six and one record, he's been impressive.

We'll see if the bats from Cedar Ridge can jump on it.

So here we go.

Cash Gillis to work.

First pitch to Kyle Providence.

It is touched but he got underneath it left center field and it'll be the center fielder Thatcher Durham who makes the catch for Riverside to begin the bottom of the first.

And defensively that's the name of the game for the rebels.

They've got a great defense.

It all starts with Thatcher Durham out there in center field.

Yep.

And that one lovely aggressive swing from Kyle Province just got too far under that one on the elevated fastball.

So one pitch one out.

It's good efficiency so far.

It's a great start for Gillis.

He'll take that Aiden Jones the starting pitcher for the Timberwolves is due up heading out of that two spot Aiden Jones.

On the season riding around batting around around 500.

It's pretty good numbers for that right side, a good pitch or two man.

Production aplenty.

32 singles on the season, two home runs, 42 RBI's out of that two spot.

That tells me guys on the bottom part of the lineup are getting on two.

Yep, they're able to produce one thing to watch here pitch count.

The average outing for Gillis last just under about three innings five five on that.

So if they can run that pitch, count up as that first out helps a lot.

Sure.

Coming back here we got three oh count.

So that'll be something interesting to watch because he's been strong this year.

But he is not necessarily going super deep in the games.

You got to imagine Maddox Stone or Thatcher Durham.

Those are going to be right.

Either the two guys that will be coming in after Nash Gillis is down and coach is hoping that Gillis goes the whole distance.

Certainly not his M.O.. Three balls, one strike, though, to Aiden Jones, high heat, and they got the swing and miss to run the count full.

Gillis wasn't going to get in first base too easily.

Now going back to the pitching as they've had rest right.

All that they basically had.

I forget what their last games were, but I mean, it's been at least a week's rest, right?

So everybody should be ready to rock and roll pitching wise today.

The payoff pitch misses downstairs.

So the Timberwolves will have their first baserunner of the ballgame a good take from Jones who's going to play at Central Baptist College.

Form a good friend.

Coach Aaron Brister out there.

And Conway Jones's father is a volunteer assistant and also a preacher in Batesville, Arkansas.

I love that the good values there on first base, right?

That's exactly right.

Their hope in Cedar Ridge is that he'll come around to score this.

And a D.J.

Brown, the third baseman for the Timberwolves due up now the first pitch with a runner on the move is a strike.

The throw is late, Jones good speed.

And the Timberwolves have a man in scoring position as well.

Here's Booker because this was a this was a great ball to throw on.

If you're if you're the defense I mean you love that.

But he's he's head down the entire way times up that slide really well.

It's a good ball to throw on a really good throw too.

That's just a bit too much speed they're coming from.

First they ended up ruling that pitch just a little bit out of the zone.

Both pitches have been close from cash.

Gillis now they do rule it a strike.

So it is one on one is that one misses.

Yeah I think that was it's why Brown seems a little upset.

He's frustrated at the time because that was a good pitch a swing on right.

I'm not sure if it was a call hitting or not, but kind of left his buddy hanging out there.

Good pitch from Kash Gillis.

Fastball, outer black down around the knees.

And it's one ball.

Two strikes to DJ Brown.

He's going to have to protect.

At least one to move the runner over here.

Right.

You've got one out.

Do a job.

Yeah.

Yep.

Defensive swing here.

Two strikes.

Oh a good pitch from Kash Gillis goes fastball a little bit elevated Brown with those quick hands able to find it off.

Yes he's a late there.

Good job.

Try to shoot that thing the other way.

It's a good two strike swing right there.

I mean the velocity has been too strong from Gillis.

I'm back.

Fastball again.

But if he goes breaker, you know that I'd be holding off.

Most likely another one.

Two from Gillis.

Curveball fooled him down and in though miss is good take from DJ Brown.

DJ is a guy that's from the area.

Went to elementary school there in Cedar Ridge.

Moved away.

Went to Batesville, South side now he's back.

And he has been a huge part of the program for coach Kevin Arms.

Two two fastball just below the knees.

And now the Count's full to the three hole hitter DJ Brown.

That's a great it's great at bat right here.

You think about that pitch.

One two says all right we're seeing breaking ball.

We're taking then takes a low fastball now counts full runner at second base gets the lead.

Payoff pitch fouled away.

Good challenge from Gillis.

And Brown.

He's hanging tough.

That's a great pitch.

Great location.

Brown just up to the challenge there needs something.

It's a bit more middle in.

Oh that's that's a tough pitch to hit outside to J.B..

It's a really difficult pitch to do something with.

No kidding Brown with that close stance weights another payoff pitch laces it to the left side.

That's a base hit station to station for Cedar Ridge.

That's their first hit of the ball game.

And the Timberwolves have runners at the corners with one out.

Go got that barrel through so quickly on that fastball.

Great job getting that barrel through showing it.

Shoot it the other way.

No way.

That's going with the pitch because Gillis has got really, really good stuff.

And now Cedar Ridge got a big opportunity.

Gillis would love a double play ball right here with Wesley Horton two up.

That's a great job because that's why you get that get that barrel through with a challenge fastball like that.

That's it gives you a chance to shoot it the other way.

They're going to check on that runner at first base.

Brown wouldn't be surprised to see Brown in motion here in this at bat.

Yeah it keeps here.

It keeps the double play ball.

Obviously alive in that situation.

I will say though, I'm not a huge fan of back picking the first the first base runner, especially with one out.

I don't blame you.

Yeah.

Because you missed the throw me.

You put a guy in scoring position, you give up a double play and you allow a run to score.

So it is, you know, some folks might say, hey, two outs.

That's where you don't want to worry about it because you don't care about the outcome there.

But for me, I'm thinking one out.

There's just so much to lose.

Wesley Horton trying to do a job here.

He's second on the team with 36 runs batted in, a 386 average out of that clean up spot, and the Timberwolves first baseman, he was a part of that pick play.

Remember back in the top of the first they got Grayson Tims who led off the game with a single.

But Aiden Jones picked off the first.

Horton applied the tag.

They checked on him 3 or 4 different times before they finally got him.

And now with the hitter's count, Wesley Horton trying to put the first run of the game across.

Oh, good.

Good patience here.

Me take him.

If I'm him.

No question.

That's a good call.

Wesley Horton likely taking all the way from Gillis three.

Oh.

Curveball misses.

And that's one of those two where you didn't have to give in.

Bases will be loaded now for Sydney base with toward the left fielder.

You kind of pick your poison, though a little bit because towards a good hitter or two.

Yeah.

And the other thing you've done is you run up that pitch count.

I mean, this is this has been a really successful offensive inning as we're seeing the meeting at the mound now, they're going to talk things over Riverside running into some problems.

Coach Ben Hoggard taking Riverside to their first ever state title appearance 28 and five on the year.

Let's take a look at that Riverside defense, though.

When Rock automotive defensive line ups Korvosa Durham Smith they're left right in the outfield Richardson, Maddox, Stone, Bryson Timms and Tucker Emery from left right on the infield.

Jackson Man's the catcher and Cash Gillis on the bump for Riverside.

And a jam early here in the bottom of the first bases full of Timberwolves.

One out and Ty Ward and the Timberwolves just looking for one big clutch hit here to break the scoring.

Yeah but and he goes about a little under 50 pitches per outing.

Does cash Gillis.

So they've already put 19 on the board.

Just one out.

Crazy to think after getting the first pitch in first out at the same time that looked like to begin Gillis was going to get quick work.

But then he walked eight and Jones right.

And then DJ Brown followed with a single through that left side of the infield.

I think the stolen base from Jones really applied some pressure.

Here's a fastball right down Grand Central from Gillis.

It's a good recovery right here.

Looking to battle at the dish ward.

Strike three called.

Good pitch from Gillis.

Three pitches to respond with the bases loaded.

And that's exactly what the doctor ordered for Riverside.

Yeah, and he knew that two home plate umpire Patrick Wilson even delayed he.

Because at that point, Ward knew he had just taken.

And that's a backwards K holds that bat back.

And then yep Patrick Wilson.

So plate winds up.

And also Andy Pierce at first Chris Phillips at second and then Steven Pallett third.

You got a four man crew today by the way.

Plenty guys available right.

Nobody else got anything to do.

It's the last game of the year so staff it up Patrick Wilson behind the plate Steve Powers at first, Chris Phillips at second, Andy Pierce over at third base.

Now to change things up a little bit.

This is not some of these guys have been here a while as the oh two pitch from Gillis.

And he strikes out Caden Stevens rising to the occasion, and Riverside walks out of the inning unscathed.

We're scoreless after one.

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J.B., that sounds really good, right?

Today.

You know, Wendy's is always one.

That's an option, right?

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You got to you got to go pick up some Wendy's.

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There you go.

For Riverside.

They'll go with five, six and seven to begin the top of the second.

Talk about flirting with danger but able to work around it.

Bases loaded, one out.

Cash Gillis man ice in his veins to get two strikeouts.

Well, Houdini act there.

I mean, it was impressive.

He went backwards and then just power ball on the next one.

Three straight three straight pitches.

Location was good.

Velocity was good.

I mean, that was a meet.

And also that mound visit really clearly kind of locked him in there, you know, I'm not sure if it was nervous, but whatever it was, he kicked that to the side, able to get out of it and both teams have worked their way out of that was a jam.

But, runners on base pressure for sure.

This is a Riverside team that was ranked number one in the super seven since spring break.

They've been on a tear.

They've had some good wins, beat Woodlawn twice.

And that's a very dominant Woodlawn program.

Coach Richardson down the way.

Valley View in Brooklyn.

They also beat both of those teams.

Those are two state title teams.

Valley view won the championship.

Brooklyn made it to the championship game and lost an historic fashion.

The oh one pitch is popped up foul and out of play in it's own two.

So Aiden Jones getting ahead of Tucker Emery, the five hole hitter for Riverside River.

Excuse me Tucker Emery.

On the season, a 281 average curveball got him looking great pitch from Aiden Jones, and Emery knew it.

He was headed straight back to the dugout.

Yeah.

Typically you'll see somebody run by and tell their teammates something.

Not much to say there on that one, because that's a perfectly placed bender.

I mean, great action on that one and then ends up in a perfect spot, too.

That's just an excellent pitch by Jones.

Wow.

Tucker Emery knew it automatically headed back to the dugout.

First pitch swinging for Maddock Stone our feature player to watch.

Couldn't catch up to the heater.

This man comes from the game of baseball.

A lot of history there.

Gavin Stone, part of that five man rotation for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a World Series champion.

His older brother.

Well, those are some big shoes to fill.

But Coach Hogan said that man, I'm going to throw it out there.

Matt Stone might be a better fluid shortstop.

And Gavin what both can pitch and play short.

But Maddox is a raw athlete.

Yeah I mean it looks good to you know out there.

He's got that lanky baseball frame and obviously comes from good stock.

And the baseball families typically success does come in more than one is going to have to protect at the plate against Aiden Jones one two's not close Maddox Stone on the year a 388 average, eight doubles, two triples, 23 runs driven in trying to start a rally in the top of the second after his starting pitcher Cash Gillis, in the bottom of the first, ran into trouble and was able to skirt free two two to Maddox Stone and he stays alive with the good foul at the plate.

Also got great speed.

He's got two triples on the year, eight doubles.

This is a guy who's doing a lot a lot of good quality offensive work, especially that six spot.

It's a great guy to have there down the line, down the order who can do some damage, move runners over and has good speed, good curveball.

That would stayed up a little bit.

Stone was able to pick it up and foul it off.

It's a luxury two and you got a guy with speed at the plate.

Means every ball he puts in play, he's got a chance to get on with his speed, puts pressure on that defense.

He thought Riverside wants to push the pace to a little bit.

Two two fast ball.

Good change of the location.

Change of speed from Aiden Jones.

But that fast ball's a little bit too tall.

Not enticing enough for Stone to offer at.

It.

Will have a payoff pitch, with one going to the second fastball lined into right field, but he got underneath it.

It hangs in the air for Bryce Smith.

I like those down.

I like the way J.B., I like the way that that we've seen Jones work because he's got good stuff.

But at that size it can be really difficult to have stuff.

It's overpowering.

And so he's got the fastball, he's got the breaking ball, but the pace at which he works and his quality location is what's making him such an effective pitcher.

Yeah, it's good life on that fastball.

It's good, but nothing super overpowering.

But he mixes it in with that curveball.

And also he's got that pace.

You know he's ready to work as soon as he catches it.

There's a shot to the right side, but hit it right to the second baseman.

Bruce recovers and throws him out so McNeil catches the ball in right field.

Bruce follows with a ground ball second to end of the inning.

123 goes Riverside in the top of the second, and the Timberwolves, looking to take the game's first run in the home half of the second.

One, two three.

A change is happening.

Let the groove take over, which just perfect.

The Age of Discovery is now.

When you hear you know what it is.

Good stuff.

I am quite overwhelmed.

That's a joy to be in this world.

It's good stuff.

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We roll on here from Benton, Arkansas, JB Brazil alongside Josh Nabors.

Glad you're with us for this final game of the Arkansas high school baseball season.

It's the two way state title.

Riverside and Cedar Ridge both going for their first ever state title in school history, and they've already made history as the first ever trip to the big dance in for Cedar Ridge.

It's head coach, Kevin Arms.

He's been around the game a long time, knows a thing or two about baseball.

He's just excited to get these guys here.

And if Cedar Ridge sounds familiar to you, there is a very good basketball player in the Lakers organization who played at OSU and he hits here.

His brother was a really good player.

He also this young man played at Wichita State well before he went to Oklahoma.

That would be one Austin Reeves.

That's right.

Spencer Reeves brother, also from Cedar Ridge.

Naturally good basketball, for sure, but good baseball players as well.

So a good a little history both organizations.

So both schools had some professional athletes that went to their school.

And at the smaller level you don't always see that.

So Austin Reeves, NBA player, played for Cedar Ridge and Coach Arms.

And then for Riverside it's Gavin Stone pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Played for coach Hoggard Jason McNeil leading things off here in the bottom of the second against cash.

Gillis good arm slot movement pulled the string and he's ahead zero two now.

Gillis on McNeil yeah good job to especially going up against the lefty to get that kind of a swing out of it.

That's a really nice take from McNeil.

Gillis trying to go up and away with a fastball.

But a nice take.

He lays off.

And pitching really has been the bedrock of the run for Riverside since their last loss on May 9th 14.

Nothing ten nothing five nothing in three two.

So only two runs allowed in their last four games.

Wow.

All.

But again a lot of that due to McClure.

Right.

Who was right there.

Every day guy goes down with injury.

Ball two strikes to Jace McNeil with 210 average 3.73 OBP.

And he's caught looking to ring him up.

Home plate umpire says strike three McNeil is the first out of the bottom of the second.

Yeah you see guys at this level I mean if you come in two pitches really well and sometimes you can be effectively wow.

But if you command to pitches really well, you're going to be in great shape.

And that breaking ball coming directly over the top, you know for lefties should be a bit easier to track.

But that thing with a little travel on the rainbow there and ended up in the zone.

First pitch swinging for Wilson Bruce, the Timberwolves second baseman.

That's three straight strikeouts for cash.

Gillis at bases loaded one out and got back to back strikeouts to end the bottom of the first.

He strikes out the first batter in this inning, and Gillis trying to get in a groove coming into the state championship game, had 36 strikeouts to nine walks.

And boy, he's showing his pitching prowess needed to get here in a game like this.

This is the final game of the season.

Got to have your best.

Yeah.

And Cedar Ridge needs to find something to disrupt the rhythm because right now it looks like Gillis.

Although as he just tosses it over this catcher, but it looks like he's starting to find that rhythm just a bit, especially the fastball.

It's overpowering that breaking ball.

It's that too intense.

You should I should say I'm gonna find something to break that up.

It's two balls and one strike to Lawson.

Bruce.

Trying to lay down the bunt to that right side.

Pitcher Gillis got time.

Throws the first.

Dangerous.

It's too tall for the first baseman.

Kind of into the path of the base runner, too.

So he had to reach over.

Did Emery he could not make the catch.

Pressure applied for Lawson.

Bruce and the first baserunner of the second.

Hey, one way you can get a pitcher off his rhythm, make him feel his position is, you know, we always talk about it, right?

A lot of times going down the line.

But also you gotta feel your position and you know that angle there.

It's tough because he's obviously a righty.

So he's got to make that throw closer to the line.

So he's got to throw it to the left from that right side.

It's a tough throw.

Should have been caught.

But I think it's a great choice.

They're going with the bunt, making something happen, putting the ball in play.

And now I can put some pressure on Dawson.

Ingles first pitch pops it up.

Right side bracing.

Tims is there.

He's got a bead and he makes the catch for the second out.

So Timberwolves trying to apply pressure.

That's what Gillis wants.

Quick outs now two are down for the top of the lineup in Kyle Province.

Yeah Ingles.

Ingles definitely wishes he had that at bat back because you got to think they're in that situation.

You got one out and a chance to turn the lineup over to you know Kyle Province has been fantastic.

But you're trying to do something productive there.

At least move him over.

We're going to get two outs now.

Becomes tougher to score the run Kyle Province a 494 hitter.

Well he's a guy that can wreak havoc.

Province shortstop leadoff hitter Game-winning hit against Macquarie in the eighth is dad played baseball at Central Arkansas, where the state championships were held in two up until inclement weather and the downpour of rain caused things to move from Saturday.

The Coach Arms talks about Province says he might be the best shortstop he's ever coached.

We couldn't get Steve out there for one more on Wednesday.

I think his retirement will do him well.

Long time Sid at Central Arkansas two zero pitch jumping into Kyle Province.

Three balls, no strikes.

Now.

Kind of figured this about it's eight more pitches.

Back in the first inning he only saw one and nothing.

He got cheated in that situation.

He got under it too far.

But he needs to work count.

Find something.

That's his pitch.

I would give him green light here.

Three zero.

We'll see if he gets green light.

Takes a fastball, outer portion.

So now it's three one.

Likely going to get a green light here with Aiden Jones on deck.

Look at that hat of cash Gillis man.

He is.

He's played some some baseball over his years.

A lot of dirt on that hat.

You love to see it.

Well falls off two because all the hair he's got three.

One from Province is smoked fouled down the pull side.

Yeah you're right cash Gillis there's a good look at it.

Yeah there's that's good lettuce.

That's right.

Baseball hair right.

Yeah I love his battle to this.

These are these is this power on power right.

I mean if Gillis wants to go breaking ball here, he can.

But I mean, I'd be afraid to leave it in the zone.

Something.

Fastball, province challenge, fastball, swing and a miss.

Gillis wins the duel, and he strands a base runner.

We play two from Benton.

It's scoreless in the two.

A state title game.

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Time for a trivia question.

Seven championship games have gone at least ten innings.

What is the longest baseball title game in state history?

Oh, it's a good question.

Well, I think for those of you that have been watching state championships this weekend, you might have a leg up.

I don't know.

We'll see.

We'll get the answer to that question in the bottom of the third inning.

We hope you've been watching this weekend.

Regardless, the Centennial Bank, state baseball and softball championships.

Always a great time.

Great challenge.

As a matter of fact, every single baseball game, the ones we broadcasted and the one that was Rogers and Fayetteville up in Northwest Arkansas every single game has come down to the wire where there's been at least the tying run at the plate.

We've not had one blowout yet.

Yeah, that's what you like, a sport like baseball, right?

It just such a chance for.

And you play one game, right.

This is this is kind of a sport at the higher levels that's built off of series.

But the high school level it's not.

And so it's fun to see here that one game.

Anything really can happen when you've got the best on the best Aiden Jones out to face the eight, nine and one hitters Jackson man first pitch swinging and he skies it out to Jace McNeil in right field.

So one pitch one out in the top of the third.

And Aiden Jones will take that all day long in Jones just a baseball player.

You can tell that guy like he's just you know because of his size of stature and everything.

I mean, he he's a guy that knows pretty good.

As we see head coach Ben Hoggart there an old guard.

Been around the program quite a while coaching Maddox Stone, Gavin Stone.

Good program down the river.

Hard to believe they never won a state title.

This is just their fourth ever trip to the semifinals.

They finally made it.

They made a 9520 1527 team.

They finally won it this year and they've made it to the state championship game.

Coach Hoggard speaks highly of the program.

Yeah.

Also, he's fully embraced.

The coach wears the team uniform thing he's got I mean he's got stirrup socks.

You know a lot of times the pull over and whatnot he's got now he's got the full uniform out there.

Yeah I appreciate that.

He didn't play around.

No not at all.

Here's Caden Richardson.

He was a guy that moved in from Bay High School up when Zane went down.

So he goes to play third base and he has been a vacuum over at third all season long.

Got A21 count out of that nine spot.

Gives that one a run into left center field.

Long run for Ingles.

But he tracks it down.

Gone on his horse Richardson makes a bid.

But nice job in centerfield from Ingles.

And that's the second out of the inning.

Well pitchers duel early.

Yep they have.

They applied some pressure.

And then now the settling in is occurring.

So it's not a staring contest.

But who's got the gumption to make something happen on the offensive side as both these pitchers have found a rhythm in the third.

Now it's top of the lineup.

Bryson Tims And you know we've seen that all weekend long.

Now this is a Wednesday game.

But over this past weekend, when the championship games were played in almost every single outing, the starting pitcher fell into some adversity in the first inning, is bracing Tim's at two for two singles to right field.

Man, he's a tough out every time he steps in.

Yeah, that's big.

Two for two to start this off.

So now a little cat and mouse.

Round two here.

We saw him get picked up in the first inning.

He's on with two outs.

So I wonder how aggressive I think here.

You probably don't get too aggressive with the lead because you don't want to take the bat out of Bryce Grossman's hands with, you know, that he's already got a hit.

And also at the top of the order, we'll see what they like to do.

Bryce Smith, he does have a good bat.

You're right.

22 runs driven in a 381 average.

But Tim says great speed over at first.

And the point that was trying to make both pitchers throughout this this weekend in games the starting pitchers have had problems in that first inning with pitch count.

Just control.

I think that the energy, the emotion of the state title game, there's a lot at play there.

And so once they settle in, I think we've seen the pitchers really do a really nice job of shutting down the opposition.

Yeah, it's pretty common.

I think the best example, the pro level, Stephen Strasburg was always a really slow starter.

But what's he got going downhill, man it was like a freight train.

He got better with time right.

Runner at first two gone for the rebels.

There's a shot right back up the middle.

Timms is headed to third base.

The throw to third is late.

Back to back singles for Riverside.

It's Bryce Smith and he'll take second base on the throw.

Rebels are in business in the third.

Yeah, the kind of makes you harken back to the first and think, hey, if they hadn't got a bit greedy there because they could have moved over, look how fast he is.

I mean, he's just chugging along there.

Great turn Archer.

Not a terrible throw, but he's just so fast.

So good job.

Nice piece of hitting Bryce Smith back up the middle.

And now a great opportunity here to drive in a run.

But you need a, a clutch hit.

Good.

It's going to be Caden Cavazos trying to come in big time.

Cavazos a 3.79 average, says a home run.

27 driven in.

Yeah, yeah.

And after Cavazos is jealous.

So it's not going to be easy either way out in front of the binder and Aiden Jones gets ahead.

Riverside threatening.

They're trying to break the scoreless tie in the top of the third.

It's been a duel between Aiden Jones and Kash Gillis.

So good job by Jones here getting a hand right.

So now he's got a bit more latitude.

You can't miss badly because pass ball scores a try but a bit will attitude oh two goes fastball challenge.

And he struck him out Aiden Jones flirts with trouble but he's able to squirm free.

Still scoreless through two and a half, Jones is fired up for Cedar Ridge.

Yeah, look at this.

Fastball.

Slides across the zone.

Goes breaking ball to his fastball.

The easy way to get you out of the inning.

One, two, three.

There.

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Welcome back to Benton, Arkansas.

We got that trivia question answered for you.

Well, if you're paying attention this weekend, you know what the answer is.

The longest game is Harding Academy, Brooklyn, 14 innings.

They're on Friday night, started at 4:00, and it wasn't over.

Almost took until 10:00.

Rule for 5.5 hours long is the longest game of the weekend.

Let's take a look at our umpiring crew today.

In this inning as cash Gillis out for another inning of work, its home plate umpire Chris Martin, Harris and Taylor to a state title game.

Actually, we got Patrick Wilson, Andy Pierce, Chris Phillips and Steven Powell.

It's a four man crew for the state title game.

Wilson's in his second state title game.

In his ninth.

Phillips is 10th, and it will be the first ever Randy Pierce.

Okay, so let's see if Gillies can keep this thing going.

Pitch count 42.

So this is a round where, you know, this is starts and ended.

But he looked really strong.

And another really good curveball there.

He's got 234 coming his way.

Cash Gillis has been lights out.

He's a guy that mixes his pitches very well and keeps them off balance.

That's the name of the game.

Oh one Gillis fastball up and in.

It's Aiden Jones DJ Brown, Wesley Hawk two, three and four do up for the Timberwolves.

Still looking for the game's first run.

Jones walked his first time up, but these three hitters here all reach safely.

Jones gives that one a ride.

Skies it to straightaway center field.

Durham is there and he makes the catch for out number one.

Yeah I love the way he started the work.

And now he's got the two walks and the hit allowed men.

He's he's just got the fastballs overpowering and but he locates that curveball.

Well, it's just both these guys are fastball curveball.

Now you see the fastball the other way.

A bit more movement for Jones, the little bit more of a pure four seamer that we're seeing here from Gillis and Coach Hoggard talked about starting Gillis.

You know McClure's down but they go with Gillis.

He pitched against Cedar Ridge on Good Friday, had 12 strikeouts against the Timberwolves.

And they want to go back to that arm.

That's why he got the start today one zero pitch popped him up.

Left side shallow left.

In comes Cavazos.

He's got room to gone.

Gillis pitching the contact here in the bottom of the third.

A total a complete package today.

He's.

Yeah.

He's had the stretches where he's gotten that weak contact.

There's not been much hard contact in this game.

I mean, everything is state in front of the outfield.

You that to move too far.

So.

And Gillis this is has been this has been his most efficient inning that we've seen at least to this point.

Five pitches, two outs.

First pitch.

Wesley Horton laces that one right back up the box and into center field.

A two out single for Wesley Horton.

That ball was smoked.

Yep.

As soon as I say, there hasn't been much strong contact, we get a ball that's absolutely worth it to center field.

This is a really good.

That's a nice piece of hit.

That's a great swing.

Too strong sturdy swing.

Great base clubs that one in.

So two outs and we've seen it.

You know the first year baseball games together.

Yeah nothing's happening.

Two outs to the pitcher seems to be cruising all of a sudden.

You know the the train gets off the tracks a bit.

So it's going to put pressure on and there's a little bit there.

Things can change quickly.

First pitch to Ty Ward.

Skies to left is camps underneath it makes the catch and they strand the two out.

Single cash.

Gillis.

He's rolling.

It's a pitcher's duel Aiden Jones and Gillis in a dogfight in Benton, Arkansas.

I love it.

We're on the precipice of a great discovery, I love it.

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Welcome to the NewsHour.

What does it mean politically?

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Delighted to hear it.

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Time for Arkansas PBS student all star.

It's Hayes Hulse of South Side B branch.

He is a shortstop and a pitcher.

He is a junior.

He's got a 4.1 GPA.

Wow, I wish I had that.

At one point, he plans to pursue a degree in Hvac and own his own company.

He's host.

Great picture there too.

On the run.

Little jitter action sunglasses on there too.

Congratulations to him.

To Hayes.

And, best of luck to him and his future.

That's right.

That's a South Side team.

That boy got knocked out early.

Didn't make the state tournament.

Desert knocks them out.

First round A10 thriller.

South side B branch, a great baseball program.

There.

Congratulations to that young man.

We keep rolling on top of the fourth coach Kevin Arms for Cedar Ridge and coach Ben Hogan for Riverside in a battle in the top of the fourth.

Still, no runs have come across.

And you love to see those good old fashioned pitchers duel in a game like this.

Yeah.

And the thing is, so it's not super humid today.

It's hot.

It's not.

It's hot ish.

I guess he's saying 60% humidity though is not crazy crazy high.

So I think that ball is not carr And health hack their fabulous Chihuahua.

Steele is trying to help himself out a little bit, but hits have been scattered a bit.

They do have four hits.

The top of the line for Riverside is two for two Timms and Bryce Smith, both with singles.

But that's been it for over.

From the three through nine lineup, Gillis went around with the jack swing, couldn't hold up and he'll have to battle from behind.

Oh, and to give Aiden Jones credit, he's mixed his pitches well.

I think he knows he's going against the opposing pitcher who has got some pop right zero zero game.

So what's going to try to do help himself out.

And he gets him a bit too eager there.

And you can tell Gillis is a little amped.

Oh two curveball.

That's a good pitch from Aiden Jones I like it.

It's a pitcher's pitch, just a little bit out to put a good location.

Not close enough to the zone for Gillis to take a hack, but a lot of pitchers get a swing and a miss on that pitch.

Yeah, he's located that well on both sides of the zone tonight.

Oh two curveball goes a little bit lower that time.

Nice block by Jackson man behind the dish.

Yeah yeah yeah yeah.

Excuse me Caden Stevens yeah yeah yeah.

2 to 2.

Gillis rolls over.

Left side.

Third baseman coming in.

Brown with the throw across.

And they got him.

Nice job charging in five three on the put out to begin the top of the fourth.

That's a great job from Brown.

That can be tough to play right off the turf.

Typically I'll tell you to come and get it.

So then he does.

So he waits for the initial hop then reads.

It makes a great play.

They always say, do not let her be the one that kind of decides how a ball hit the ball play.

You basically.

So he waits that big hop plays it low, carries momentum and gets out.

Get us.

That's a big first out for Aiden Jones first pitch Tucker Amari smokes it.

But right to the first baseman Horton Wesley Horton steps on the bag.

And just like that there's two gone in the top of the fourth.

And Jones.

So it's not a super high strikeout situation.

They've gone too early but he's done a really good job of getting ahead.

I mean, he's rarely had to recover from being down in the count in this game.

And so he's been able to dictate pace, especially with the way he works.

Once again, not overpowering stuff.

Good location.

The he's playing this game right now on his terms.

And so that's why you know this looks like almost a conductor conducting an orchestra first pitch to Maddox Stone.

Coach Hoggard talked a good bit about his young shortstop.

Said he sees Gavin in it, hits ball so hard.

He's got a chance to play both ways, says coach.

Got a bright future and he rips that one right back into center field.

A two out rally is what Riverside's looking for.

Fifth hit of the day for the rebels.

And Stone gets things rolling here in the bottom.

Excuse me.

Top of the fourth for the rebels.

Great approach.

Natural swing right?

I mean, that's just not trying to do too much with it.

That that ball is right up the middle and it's an effortless swing.

And that situation from stone and yeah, good chance to go both ways.

Young player too.

He's got plenty of time to develop and get bigger as well.

Certainly a bright future Thatcher Durham first pitch lines it to center.

But Engels was on the march and he comes in and snatches it to keep any damage from coming across three and a half gone and Benton still without.

That'll score.

This month on Arkansas PBS, when you see how vulnerable and helpless they are, you wonder how any of them make it.

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You're you're safe.

After achieving a remotely controlled pileup, everybody is safe.

We will now investigate what can be learned from the chaos I call one out of every four animals is a beetle.

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We keep rolling on here.

Bottom of the fourth from Benton, Arkansas State title game two A championship was slated to begin on Saturday at 1:00, and due to the weather in Conway, Arkansas, it Bears Stadium.

The rain kept coming down and so much so that they couldn't get the game in.

Thought about trying to move it, but you know, with the holiday weekend, decided to move it to Wednesday 12:00 and then 3:00 would be the six eight state title game.

But once Rogers and Fayetteville decided they're going to play that one up in Northwest Arkansas on Sunday, that left Wednesday wide open.

And so Riverside and Cedar Ridge getting the 3:00 start today.

Just about over an hour into the game and still without a score.

Yeah.

No, I'm glad my best ability is availability.

JB that's what has allowed me to be here with you today.

I try, you know, so I'm always down to to call some baseball with you.

It doesn't really feel like work.

So this game is an awesome.

I love the way these two pictures have worked.

Gillis has found the rhythm higher on the strikeout side, and then Jones is more of that pace kind of almost Chris Paul, if you will, for the way he orchestrates the game.

So two different approaches, both incredibly effective so far I've liked it and I always enjoy getting a call with you as well my friend.

We want to wish Kevin Bohan and Cabo well under the weather.

Couldn't be here today.

He was scheduled due in to call the game with me, but, something's going around, and, unfortunately, he was unable to be here.

But I guarantee you, he's watching the broadcast.

Kevin, go ahead and wish you were here.

Two.

Oh, swing and a miss.

He's got to rest up for his drive time.

Sports appearance.

That's right, that's right.

There's a lot of regional baseball going on this weekend NCAA tournament.

So I'm sure he's gearing up for that as well.

To Arkansas teams in it.

That's right little Rock.

The Trojans, the eight seed in the OVC did what many would consider the impossible.

Yeah, the longest drought, staved off single elimination round and then went unbeaten to complete games from Jackson Wells and Jack line.

Here's a shot to center field looping.

But it'll be Stone going to back.

And he snatches that one off the bat of Caden Stevens.

Well, he appears to be a natural.

He's got it.

Just everything looks pretty effortless for him.

And some guys on the baseball field, you know, it looks like that.

And he's, I would say basketball to JJ Andrews.

A little Rock Christian comes to mind for that effortlessness.

Look at that is just ease.

I mean, that's not an easy play to track, especially if it's cloudy.

I mean, even a ball gets in the clouds at all.

Tracking.

It's not always easy.

And, that was simple for him.

Just the way he caught it.

Too many people thing.

Oh, you just catch it now.

He he's got the curve of the glove already.

Looks like a just a natural professional infielder.

He catches that one about as smooth as you can over the shoulder.

Made it look easy.

Jace McNeil, who struck out looking his first time up against cash.

Gillis almost that AJ ski time batting stance smokes that way to left field.

Down the line though.

Kovacs will have room and two are gone in the bottom of the fourth.

He almost checked it a bit.

That was you know, he still hit that thing pretty far, right?

I mean, that's a good swing.

He's got that he's able to hit so far.

Yeah AJ ski build I would say yeah for sure sure he got good pop.

Now it brings up the eight hole hitter Lawson Bruce for the Timberwolves.

It'll be all up to him.

If the Timberwolves are going to have a two out rally.

They've had a baserunner on in each of the first, second and third innings.

But they're going to have to do things.

The two outs now.

Really nice bunt from him last time though.

And I know they didn't count it as a as a hit, but I was very impressed by it last time.

When he's able to punch that thing down the line, foul tip southward into the catcher's mitt.

He's also committed to go play at Central Baptist College.

CBC in Conway.

Lawson Bruce, second baseman for the Timberwolves.

Also a great basketball player for Cedar Ridge.

Squaring a bunt this time.

Going to go right side again.

Gillis won't toss it.

He'll tag him this time.

You can't have an error if you don't throw it.

At least that's the way Gillis thinks about it.

And one, two, three goes Cedar Ridge in the fourth.

This month in passport on the PBS app, meet the groundbreaking author Amy Tan.

I am a writer and a tether to the past.

I've been graphing Asian-Americans in New York City for 50 years.

Who do you see?

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We don't quite feel at home in Korea, and we don't quite feel home here in America.

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Well, it's hard to believe it already the top of the fifth inning.

Still scoreless.

But here's how things got rolling.

Cedar Ridge offensively been putting pressure on there.

In the first inning they had bases loaded one out but cash Gillis a couple of strikeouts to get out of it.

And then in the second inning good job bunting this one down.

Bruce able to reach at first base.

They were able to put a little bit more pressure aboard, but nothing doing for the Timberwolves.

And then Riverside had a chance as well.

But it's been Aiden Jones with the big strikeout fourth inning.

So Riverside putting some pressure on as well.

So far though, nobody's been able to scratch a cross a run for Riverside.

They've had five hits.

Timberwolves only have two, but both pitchers have been able to scatter things well.

It's nice to come into this game because all of your arms are arrested, right.

And they have not played in the week for both these teams.

But guess what?

They've only needed one arm apiece as we get another first pitch potential out.

Lined it into center fielder.

Skied to that one Jackson man to Engels out there in center field.

And that's the first out of the top of the fifth.

Nine hole hitter Caden Richardson rolling up.

Man, this game is going pretty quickly.

Yeah it's book.

And it was nobody's nobody wants to score run Jamie.

Nobody wants to.

These teams might need to slow down their approach.

Wouldn't be surprised.

Let's see if somebody's trying to be bunt on the Riverside side of things because they haven't attempted that.

Just put the ball in play.

A lot of these outs have come be a fly out for Jones, right?

I want to see if Riverside can put the ball on the ground and trying to make that defense work in a different kind of way.

This is a big at bat.

Caden Richardson against Aiden Jones because top of the lineup stew neck and the one and two spots Bryson Timms Bryce Smith they're two for two today.

They've had four of the five hits out of that top of the lineup.

So if Richardson gets on that puts a lot of pressure for Aiden Jones.

It's a great call JB yeah, because those guys have been so good so far.

You know just making something happen.

We saw them go first to third right.

Because the speed if they can get Tim Zone he is electric on the base pads.

He'll have a hitter's count Aiden Jones got to be careful to Caden Richardson 294 hitter.

Fouls that one at the dish Richardson can't have been more of a spot duty over of late.

Richardson's only had 17 at bats coming into the state title game.

Naturally had to come in because Zane McClure went down.

McClure was a 430 hitter, 25 RBI's, a homerun.

So you lose the pitching of McClure.

But you also lose the offense and Caden Richardson, well, he stepped in and have some big shoes to fill, but he's been delivering.

Yeah, especially on the on the pitching side of things on the defensive side.

Even more for the task.

Obviously I think offensively you're seeing just there appears to be a home lineup.

Right.

And I think I think we you know obviously we know why.

Yeah two balls two strikes Jones trying to get Richardson a curveball hit sharply but right to short Kyle Province.

His throw across is on the money.

Two are gone now as we flip things over.

Third time through the line out for Riverside pitcher Lee.

But Province has got a good glove at short.

Yeah it's just an easy play and it's a huge out as you mentioned, J.B., because you don't turn the lineup over with somebody on base to these two guys in Tims and Smith who have been the offense so far today.

So two gone in the top of the fifth.

First pitch from Aiden Jones to Bryson Tims is upstairs.

Two singles today for Bryson Timms.

He got picked off back in the first.

And boy there's a a play you could circle that was huge for the Timberwolves.

There's a pop up right side into the outfield McNeil's got it first time today.

They retire.

Bryson Timms.

We're still scoreless.

Four and a half from Benton in the two a state championship.

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One.

Two.

Three.

A change is happening.

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Which is perfect.

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It'll be cash Gillis out for the bottom of the fifth.

Glad you're with us for this two AA state title game.

JB Brazil alongside Josh Nabors, Riverside and Cedar Ridge.

It's been a pitcher's duel.

Five hits for the rebels.

Only two for the Timberwolves.

They left nine one and two do up.

Dawson, Ingles Kyle Province Aidan Jones.

It'll be their third time through the lineup as well.

Just trying to apply pressure to bring across that first run of the game.

It's just been tough to come by.

Yeah I wonder if they I mean I wouldn't go top start bunting but maybe Ingles try something.

Yeah I make him keep building position.

I think that's the way to go.

But this team's got to try some small ball, because what they're doing right now is not paying dividends.

He was going to take on the first pitch and maybe try to work the count.

Maybe that's part of it.

Two for both offenses.

Just trying to apply pressure.

See some more pitches.

That's right.

There's not been a ton.

Aiden Jones only up to 46 pitches thrown oh one rolled over to the right side.

Second baseman Timms throws to first with time.

And just like that for three put out to begin the bottom of the fifth.

Not much time.

A pretty close play there.

Jimmy.

He sure did.

I think Tim thought he had a little bit more time than he actually did.

Look at him hustle out of the box Nelson Ingles.

Yeah and now he's he's rolling and big cash on the throw.

Just a touch.

And Tim said hey no big thing I got time.

Kyle Providence now batting with the bases empty and one going in the bottom of the fifth.

He's oh for two today.

Flew out to center field and struck out okay.

Yeah.

Just needs to find a way to create some kind of offense get themselves going here.

So the guy Province has been all year.

Takes the one.

Oh fastball at the letters for a strike.

A high part of the zone.

Gillis up to 61 pitches thrown out.

Coming into the bottom of the fifth inning curveball, Providence weighed in on it.

Smokes that one to deep right center field, but the right fielder, Smith got on his horse and he tracks it down.

Providence made a bid, but good defense for Riverside, and two are gone.

Yeah, just left a lot of that zone.

Gillis that's a mistake.

Pitch.

But Province just didn't square that up well enough.

A little late, little timid on the swing.

Still good contact, but just not all the way there.

If he had, man, that would have been trouble I think in the in the gap at least.

So big out for Gillis.

He's got two with Jones a pitcher up on Aiden Jones.

Bases empty.

Two gone.

He walked in flew out today.

Oh for one officially it's cash.

Gillis.

Both pitchers still I mean Gillis going one of his longer outings of the season.

Yeah.

And he needed it in a game like this when one of your your best arm your ace McClure goes down next man up mentality.

Just what the doctor order for cash.

Gillis Jones pops this one up.

Outfield goes Maddox Stone.

He's got it in 123.

Go the Timberwolves in the fifth.

We've played five.

Still without a run to the top of the sixth.

We go.

Who wants to win the two way state championship.

Stick around.

Baseball rolls on from Ben.

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These are a great championship keepsake, but we're rolling on to the top of the sixth.

Still zero zero.

Riverside at Cedar Ridge, both making their first ever appearance in the state title game.

Naturally, looking for their first ever state championship.

Rebels trying to bring it back home to Lake City for the first time.

There's been some good teams that go through Riverside.

The Timberwolves trying to take their first ever back to Newark, Arkansas.

Cedar Ridge they've had some good talent as well.

Hard to believe that neither of these teams have ever made it this far before.

And this one has fit the billing scoreless in the top of the sixth.

A good old fashioned pitcher's duel.

The two way state title game.

Just 53 pitches for Aiden Jones.

He has been so efficient.

Five hits, two K's, no walks.

He's controlled the pace so well today.

But Bryce Smith does have two hits against him.

And that's who leads things off.

Smith good bunt to that left side.

Jones Off-balance throw to first base.

And they didn't get him three for three day.

Nice job for Bryce Smith a perfectly placed bunt.

And that man knows how to play the game of baseball.

Yeah I mean Jones fielded this really well too.

The hard part though was it took him away from his own arm.

So he had to kind of load the throw and still he saw it was short there.

It was a good throw.

But I mean, I was wondering when that would happen because Jones a smaller guy.

So he is able to field that position pretty well.

Fielder obviously, but that's just tough going that direction away from the bag.

So besides the business now and trying to make some some offense happen, they got speed over at first.

We saw that on that bunt from Bryce Smith is three for three day out of that two spot for the right fielder.

And he made a nice catch against Kyle Province.

Having a go in the bottom of the fifth.

And here's where pressure can really get applied Jones now I'm going to have to worry about that runner at first base.

He hasn't really seen much adversity since back in the first inning.

Yeah, exactly right.

Jamie.

So this is you know in the good with traffic on.

But opportunity here with nobody out pops it up behind the dish.

The catcher nice job with a mask on.

My goodness Caden Stevens with a nice catch.

That's a big out for the first.

Out of the top of the sixth.

Yeah that's a killer for Riverside.

You just got to top of the orders up.

You got to have a effective you got to have that out.

That's productive in that situation.

And they just did not get one.

It's not the kind of swing that can get the job done.

Come close to move somebody over from that spot.

So Caden Cavazos unable to do anything out of that three spot cash Gillis a chance to help himself.

Runner goes on a curveball, picked a good pitch to steal on the throw.

Gets behind the shortstop province.

So now Riverside the Go-Ahead run at second base and Gillis and Emery will both have chances.

Yes, he had a feeling they might do this here just because look, you've got cash Gillis up at this point and he is one of your more dangerous hitters when it comes to extra base hits.

Got eight doubles and five home runs.

And 13 of his 27 hits this year have been extra base hits and he pops this one up into deep center field.

Long run for Engels backwards.

He makes the catch for the second out.

It does a job though.

Gillis with the fly out, moves Smith to third base.

And now for Aiden Jones.

He doesn't have the luxury of burying any pitches.

Yeah, but I think it's okay because Gillis you know, you get a fly out there, you'll take that, right?

It just mentioned how much pop he's got.

So anything they're doing is going to score a run.

But that's a good swing.

He put a charge into that one.

Got under just a bit but it carried well.

And Smith good speed.

So now if you're Riverside anything close to gets away from the catcher.

The way this game has gone you see good chance with a lot of room behind the plate you're sending it runner home right.

And oh here we go Tucker Memorial for two today trying to deliver for Riverside Aiden and Jones win had a runner at third base a big one here to Maddox.

Next one's on deck.

So I mean yeah for not to see him.

Stone had a single his last time up Jones trying to keep that runner at third base.

Emery trying to bring him home.

Swinging it a foul tip into the catcher's mitt.

I like the challenge.

Fastball.

Emery was just underneath a good pitch from Aiden Jones.

Excellent pitch.

You see Jones motioning to his outfield back up a little bit.

I want to make sure that they have a chance to go back and get one here at Everett Field and Benton, Arkansas.

One one popped him up foul though.

Out of play.

Came in on the hands.

So fastball away.

Fastball then goes back inside I mean it's just excellent pitch sequencing for Jones.

Really smart strong stuff.

Well call pitches well executed there too.

That's right.

Because you got to hit your spots one two pitch curveball got him swing and a miss.

Oh did he foul enough I think he did not.

Oh man he is out.

That will end the inning Aiden Jones gets a big strikeout but Tucker Emery takes the fall.

Well head to the bottom of the sixth.

Hope that young man's okay.

Still scoreless here in Benton Arkansas on the bottom of the sixth.

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What a big strikeout for Aiden Jones.

To the top of the sixth runner at third base.

And he strikes out Emory Wade.

Awkward fall after the swing.

We hope he's okay.

Yeah, but now for Cedar Ridge.

They get out of trouble a chance to do some damage, but it will not be against cash.

Gillis.

They'll go with Bryce Smith, the right hander and Bryce Smith coming in after Gillis pitched well scoreless.

Smith scored 19 in the third innings pitched.

He's got a 1.09 E.R.A.

14 strikeouts, six walks for the right hander.

Yep.

So a bit of a different look here coming into the game for Riverside.

As you mentioned Bryce Smith really strong year 1.086 basically 1.09 ERA a really strong year for him.

Only 12 hits allowed in those 19 and third innings.

But what a day that we saw from cash.

Gale was five innings.

He allowed just two hits two walks four KS.

It's a 20 batters he faced.

He had 19 for 99 fly outs and two ground out.

So just good variety.

66 pitches goes the five innings.

I mean his starts were typically around three.

So the fact he goes five very impressive here 66 pitches about 20 more he normally throws.

And a really I mean you can't ask for anything more than five innings from your starter to get you deep into a state championship game.

No kidding.

But Bryce Smith coming in a high pressure situation in terms of where this game is at bottom of the sixth, still scoreless.

Trying to follow up the poor performance of cash.

Gillis Gillis will come out.

He will take first base.

So Tucker Emery out of the game.

We'll give you the rest of the defensive lineups when we get them.

But Bryce Smith, he will face three, four and five for Cedar Ridge, DJ Brown, Wesley Horton and Ty Ward.

Calculated risk here, right?

I mean maybe he maybe to talk to Gillis, see how he's feeling it and love it or give a different look to the middle of the order?

I don't know, JB, it's interesting that you're going to go away from a guy who is so good.

Good, different.

Look here.

All right.

In the first pitch to DJ Brown to strike right down Broadway.

Always good movement.

There's a take a look at both teams.

They've attacked the strike zone.

Yep.

And a nice job.

Oh.

Once chopped to that right side.

Second baseman coming in.

Timmons with the throw to first.

And they got him.

So D.J.

Brown rolls out to begin the bottom of the sixth.

And a nice start for Bryce Smith.

Yeah but he had a big target now over there.

And Gillis at first right.

It's a little bit more margin for error with with Gillis at first his size.

So the defensive switching Gillis is over at first base now.

So cash Gillis in for Tucker.

Emory over at first they move Kovacs from left field.

Now to right field and into the game for the first time is Lake Wolfe the freshman out there in left field?

Right pitch sure was Wesley Horton, who's one for one today with a walk.

He singled back in the third, takes a strike from Smith.

And it's all about mixing your speed for Bryce Smith.

He does a good job at executing just that totally.

012 Horton goes downstairs that time, but not close enough for Horton to take a hack at just some patience.

I mean, I might start taking some strikes too, if I'm either of these sides just to get some more pitches, see something in them and see if he goes back to it.

Either pitcher.

One one to Horton.

Just a little bit too tall.

Hitter's count now for the Timberwolves first baseman.

Like this.

This nice patient at bat.

Smith got D.J.

Brown to ground out to begin the inning.

Two one.

Just a little bit low.

Good fastball, but dipped below the knees.

And now Wesley Horton gets a chance to dig in with A31 count.

Yep.

And go zone green light here.

Chance to do some damage and maybe get an extra base hit.

Three one pitch it smoked it.

But right to Maddox Stone.

Nice play to stab the throw.

And they got him to go.

And the ground balls from Bryce Smith are working here in the bottom of the sixth.

Yeah.

So that one was coming.

Frustration for Horton.

It just needs contact with decent.

But you know angle on that one was not good enough.

He's hit the ball well today.

Hit one right back up the middle.

But Stone that's kind of a weird stat right.

He kind of comes over when you're athletic like that.

You can get away with it.

That was smooth for Maddox Stone.

Yeah he's got a length to two going now for Ty Ward who's oh for two.

There's a look at the strikeout totals for today's game.

Four strikeouts for the pitching staff.

The Rebels Timberwolves have three strikeouts not a high K game.

But guys pitching to contact.

Ty Ward moves out of the way.

That off-speed close, but no cigar from Bryce Smith.

Still scoreless in the bottom of the sixth.

It's times called from Ward.

As we look ahead to the top of the seventh, it would be six, seven and eight do up for the rebels.

Strike on the outer half.

Awesome pitch there.

It's great location, good height, and also, I mean right on the corner.

So pitching has been about as good as you could ask for today.

No kidding.

I mean, nobody's got super overpowering stuff.

Just it's been execution and execution does the job.

How about it for Bryce Smith?

One, two three.

He goes in the bottom of the six.

He flexes the muscle.

We're scoreless to the seventh from Benton.

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Can you believe it?

It's the top of the seventh, and we still, still don't have a run.

Josh, it's zero zero, but it's been Aiden Jones's game, and he's back out for the top of the seventh.

Both pitching staffs have pitched their tails off.

Right now, it's who's going to be able to scratch across the first run.

Yeah.

And Jones has just been in such command of the pace of the game that why would you want to get anybody else right I mean he's been the conductor.

He's at 62 pitches so he's totally fine.

You know I think it's a it's a fine spot to be.

And he's not showing any signs of slowing down.

And also his stuff is not overpowering.

Right.

So this is not a guy where you're worried about a big velo dip.

You know, causing it, causing a huge issue.

So, pitch counts in a good spot.

Stuff still looks really good.

Tempo has been fantastic.

We'll see if he can manage.

Maddox Stone once again is at six, seven, eight.

Stone Durham and man one's do up to bat here in the top of the seventh.

And now that we're in the seventh inning, the new video review rule first time this year and actually history groundball to third base.

Nice job from Brown.

His throw is good.

Five three on the put out to begin the top of the seventh.

But Arkansas was kind of the guinea pig state to try out this new video review.

And so the way it works is each team will get one challenge in the seventh inning.

If it goes to extras, each team will get another review and the only thing you can review to make things nice and simple for everybody technically is just say for out.

That's the stuff that you can review.

You can't review fair foul.

You can't review balls and strikes like you see at, you know, spring training at the major league levels like that.

But I think it does make it.

We saw that came into play in the for a state title game in Kevin Bohan and called the Harding Academy Brooklyn, whatever you want to call that game.

It was one of the most riveting games in Arkansas high school state history.

It was the longest games at for sure, but man oh two fouled away at the dish for Thatcher.

Durham.

But did the game like this.

We'll use it right.

Sure.

Yeah.

The tech and I think that this is what this is for games like this which by the way we've had every single baseball championship game come down to the wire.

Even the one we didn't call was a walk off win for Rogers over Fayetteville at six a state championship.

Oh two pitch got him.

Strike three called to Thatcher Durham and Aiden Jones.

He's dealing in the seventh.

The duck for cover there on that one.

That was a great pitch.

Location was good.

Dialed in number four on the day.

But kind of that statement came in the seventh saying, hey, I'm still here.

I still got the stuff.

Just an awesome pitch, good location.

Looks like it's breaking over towards the hitter and then sits down in the middle of the zone.

That's when you know your pitch is working.

Sort here, stepping out, disrupting the timing, the rhythm a little bit here.

I like that from Jackson man.

See some more pitches but more of that man is oh for two today he's flown out to center and he's flown out to right.

So the Riverside backstop trying to start a little two out rally in the top of the seventh of his team's not able to score here in the top of the seventh.

Cedar Ridge would just need one run to walk things off in the bottom of the seventh.

But man, what have we deserved?

Or what have we done to deserve such great baseball championships?

They've all come down to the wire to be up cut a lot of bad baseball games.

So I'm going to say I in this one, all the bad baseball I've taught before.

So, speak for yourself.

I've heard burned a compelling finish.

We're glad you're with us, Josh.

Glad to be here, man.

It's always nice call games of the especially tight ones like this.

Last a championship game two.

That's right.

Pitching performances have been sublime.

This has been just what the doctor ordered.

Two balls.

Two strikes down at Jackson.

Man Aiden Jones trying to work A123 seventh.

And he'll do it.

Swing and a miss Jones electric as he finishes him off in order.

Timberwolves got a chance to walk things off for their first ever state title.

Stick around for the bottom of the seventh and Benton, Arkansas.

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And.

Well, the stage is set in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Cedar Ridge Riverside.

Both looking for their first ever state championship.

That's what's at stake in the Timberwolves.

Have a chance to do it here in the bottom of the seventh inning against Bryce Smith.

They just need one go six across the border and go zero zero in the two AA state championship a good old fashioned pitcher's duel.

And this one's coming down to the wire.

Yep.

Other side.

You need to do something relatively dramatic to get a, a state championship here.

Bottom of the seventh, JB.

Let's go.

Lead things off.

Caden Stevens, the catcher for the Timberwolves, will start things off.

Oh, for two today.

Struck out and lined out to short.

If you look at the line score for both teams.

Riverside's oh six and one.

They've left five men on.

And then Cedar Ridge oh two and oh with five baserunners left.

So pretty even throughout.

The offense just not being there.

Especially that you know that bottom part of hitter five through nine is hitless today zero for 11 so far.

And in Kyle Province over three and Aiden Jones for two.

So leadoff man for Cedar Ridge.

Nothing like there's a well-struck ball to the left side.

Long throw to first.

It's high.

He's going to take second base.

The throw to get him and he's out it.

Caroms right back to the first baseman.

And a great job to get the runner heading to second.

Stevens at first, but they throw him out trying to go to second.

Yeah it's one of those where you gotta hold up.

I know you're trying to push it there, but you've got a base runner in that situation, right.

And getting on I mean that just that that's a tough, tough play obviously.

But you got to kind of know your surroundings over there.

First off Karam Craig goes right back to him.

That's a great throw.

Now it's back.

Sure I'll tell you it was the tag and came from the side there.

But man that's difficult for Cedar Ridge because you get a guy on.

Yeah.

Just can't keep him one.

At the very least, you're thinking got runner at first, nobody out.

But that's the way it goes.

That one bounced the throw, got over the first baseman said it went right back to back to the first baseman.

So now with one gone, Jace McNeil for what stands in fouls it away against Bryce Smith.

Zero zero in the bottom of the seventh inning.

This one has flown by.

Feels like a day.

Major League Baseball get away game right with both teams.

Got to travel.

Swing the bats so you can figure it out.

There's a big swing and a miss Off-speed from Bryce Smith and he strikes out Jace McNeil.

Two were gone in the bottom of the seventh.

Nice pitch here.

That one breaks away from the lefty McNeil.

Really difficult pitch to go and grab Smith which will recover after defense had a foul.

He made up for it.

So it'll be all up to Lawson Bruce of Cedar Ridge is going to be able to win things in the bottom of the seventh.

Riverside.

And Bryce Smith trying to send things to the eighth be our third extra inning state championship for baseball here in the finals.

The six day state title game went to extras.

The for a state title game went to extras, and now this one's flirting with it as well.

Cedar Ridge wins could bode well for the other Timberwolves.

Minnesota tonight.

That's right.

Need a win desperately against OKC down three one.

Well that's a lot of big sporting matchups going on.

So much is happening I lose track of everything I don't know how you do what you do.

Well last weekend we had state championships for baseball softball.

We had the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs and then also we had the regional super regionals for softball and the the conference tournaments for baseball.

So it was a, a full docket.

And we have got a thriller here in Benton, zero zero, bottom of the seventh.

Smith trying not to put a runner aboard.

Bruce trying to battle three one misses inside.

And now Cedar Ridge will have the winning run over at first base for the nine hole hitter Dawson Engel.

That's a great At-Bat right there because now you're one AB away from turning it over to province, right.

So that's that's the type of at bat you want for an eight nine hitter.

Just find a way to do something functional.

Guys who are maybe not great pop natural hitters, whatever, but understand situations.

And that was a brilliant AB first pitch taking.

Dawson Engels.

It's a strike letter high.

So for Engels here I would say same approach.

Right.

Went to work the count.

You get two strikes.

Just hang in there.

Oh.

One pull side foul now going to protect out.

Smith gets ahead oh two.

It's a great job from Bryce Smith.

Zero zero bottom of the seventh one eight runs at first for Cedar Ridge Bryce Smith trying to keep him right there and send it to extras.

That one misses up and away.

That's how you start to battle back with two strikes.

It's a guy and Engels who's got a 487 on base percentage this year.

So this is this is him.

Oh he's had 17 hits.

They've all been singles.

So this is where you work.

There's a line drive left field.

Wolf's going back.

Makes the catch man.

That's actually crevasses back out there in left field.

What a job to make the final out of the seventh.

We're going to extras from Benton.

Still scoreless.

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JB for it is crazy.

State championship games this year have fit the bill and they have come down to the wire.

We're glad you're with us.

JB Brazil, Josh Nabors, the 2025 Centennial Bank state baseball and Softball championships.

The final game across all of high school baseball, at least the spring season.

Sure, you'll have travel ball kicking up here in the summer, but this one coming down to it.

Aiden Jones out for his eighth inning of work getting prepped for college ball.

Man, I'm telling you one, he is getting his money's worth here.

Heading to the top of the eighth.

Why not?

Man, it's his pitch so held today and he is pitch counts in a reasonable spot.

I mean, he's humming along with a complete game shutout.

Already done.

You know, in the books at this point.

So let me keep rolling.

76 hits, five KS, 72 pitches for the complete seven.

But he struggled in the first two pitches to Caden Richardson to two balls.

No strikes to the nine hole hitter for the rebels.

Big spot here is it's nine one and two.

I mean, talking about the top part of the order is five for six today against Jones.

It's three straight.

Mrs. Jones missing in the same spot.

Spiked at three times trying to get a grip on that.

Richardson trying to start things off for the time for the lineup due next.

Yeah big taken here all the way.

Three zero Jones miss is down and away again.

Four pitch walk to Caden Richardson.

Riverside got the top of the lineup.

Do up and boy with Bryson Timms and Bryce Smith.

Their combined five for six today out of the one and two spots.

Yeah make a little conversation here with Aiden Jones I know it's not the end and that's what's going to happen because I want to make sure he's all good, not fatiguing.

Hey, why did you miss.

There are let's talk about it some maybe getting arm loose.

You know, think about what you want to do because you've got these two guys up now in Timbs and Smith who have been so good.

And also they've got speed.

So they can definitely force you into making a mistake.

We'll see what they do with Richardson now on God.

They can, you know, flip over that one up with.

We'll see how they play it.

Because once again zero zero game.

So if you Riverside do you give it up and out.

I don't think so.

I don't think I would with.

No I know it's A00 game but still with nobody out.

Yeah.

You got two guys were five for six today.

Does he feel great about the execution.

That's a good point.

I mean you could see some coaches they trust in their guy Bryson Timbs.

If you bunt maybe put pressure on.

Maybe they don't get you at first.

But also you take the bat out of his hands and five of your team's six hits have come out of the one and two spots.

So you don't want to take away the production either.

Yeah, no, you don't want to.

That's the, the chess match that we see.

So let's see what Coach Hauger is going to try to do.

Aiden Jones, after the visit from Coach Arms and the Enfield back out at the top of the eighth, neither side's been able to scratch across a run, but a leadoff walk here in the top of the eighth and Riverside's trying to make something happen.

Bryson Timms first pitch down and away gets away from the catcher.

Richardson gets his second standing up and oh boy, the rebels will have three chances to get the game's first run.

It's like his arms locked finishing there at that point.

He's he's missed outside away and down three times.

And that one.

Yeah maybe slight a bit more with the catcher man.

Just you keep missing.

Eventually you're going to get burned on that.

And so Richardson in a good spot.

Maybe you do play small ball.

Now at this point time you try to go bunt to the right side maybe get something down.

But I mean at this point, you know, I'm going to make him throw me a strike first before I really start to battle here.

No kidding.

Five straight misses for Aiden Jones.

Tims is squaring to bunt and he takes a strike on the outer half.

One and one.

And you know, here's the other school of thought.

Two first base open.

You don't want to face Bryce Smith with a runner at second base.

But that looks like that's happening anyway.

Do you try to maybe potentially work yourself into a force at any base?

I think Jones is going to try to go after him.

Yeah.

Also, it's funny, you know, I said that was actually the best pitch to.

But right there because it was it was in the strike zone to his right.

So that was a pitch you just pushed on the right side that that moves the runner over easily.

You're not going you know, you're not going to throw from that side of the infield over to the over to third base trying it now.

But Tim's will he bunt.

He's swinging and he chops this one.

Slow roll to the shortstop.

Nice play from province man.

What a job.

The wedged jam on the short hop.

It does a job though.

Tim's moves Richardson to third.

And now Riverside will have two chances with the lead run 90ft away.

Well don't run around there.

It's almost a softball slap hit right there.

Is that the right term?

I think so, yeah.

That was that was perfect.

I mean, that just gets on top of it.

Crushes it into the turf.

Runner gets a good break.

Not a chance there.

Good play by the defense.

So you take the out.

If you're Cedar Ridge and for Riverside good execution.

Only one out.

So now you just need a anything in the air scores.

And that's what you're thinking.

Do not or anything.

If you go up the middle you got a chance.

But I mean, I really think you're infield in.

You go up the middle, you got a chance in the air.

You should score a run to.

So Bryce Smith is three for three today, and he swings and misses at that one.

One ball one strike.

You know, again this is one of those playing with fire with Jones first base open do you pitch to Bryce Smith.

It looks like they are three for three today a chance to give Riverside the game's first run.

Ground ball up the middle.

Second baseman only play is going to be at first.

They get the out.

That's a big job defensively.

Runner had to stay put two going on the ground ball.

That's a nice job pitching for Jones and a good defensive play you know.

And then this thing ends up at one zero.

If you're going to ground ball right.

There must have been a good break for Richardson because that's a play you could have made right.

But you take the out there.

Well oh.

The runner stays at third there.

So they were able to keep the runner at third.

I thought he'd scored.

So saying good defense getting in there I thought I thought he was breaking on that ground ball.

Yeah.

I'm not sure why you're not sending them JB well, that's that's what I'm teaching.

Zero game.

I mean you got make them make the play at the plate.

That's that's surprising to me.

I know you giving up a runner at third, but you've got.

No you had anybody at third all day.

So now Caden Cavazos will have a chance to give Riverside the lead.

You know, we've seen coaches in state championship games roll the dice and try to apply pressure.

Coach Hoggard and the Riverside Rebels elect to give it to Cavazos.

They think he has a chance to drive him in.

That's a lot of trust for your three hole hitter.

He's oh, for three today.

But boy, trying to come through in a big way.

They'll have to do it from behind.

We're in the eighth inning.

You know we're in the eighth inning.

It's late in the game.

I mean I understand there's a lot in the line, but you got to push the envelope a bit in a scoreless game.

With the way you've pitched all day today and they have barely been able to touch you, not in any consistent way offensively.

So I'm rolling the dice there.

But that's always been there's a swing from Cavazos base hit to center field.

Polgar rolls the dice.

He leaves the bat in his hands and a big swing to give the rebels a one nothing lead.

That's why he's a coach.

I'm just some guy who talks about baseball.

There you go.

That's the, Yeah, it pays off.

And it looked like it was going to run the other way, too.

Maybe they're able to, but man, that Colossus has been a tough day.

Oh for three.

And just a nice even swing and really good execution there.

And right now he is the hero.

Excellent job.

And it really is unfortunate for Jones has been lights out today that his the way he started this inning.

It's cost him late because I think he's pitched pretty well besides that.

But you know I mean his complete game was fantastic.

This this eighth inning has been difficult.

But what he expected now in this part of the game you're seeing the team for the fourth time through.

He's grinding right now that just it's tough because I think those four pitches away hurt him early on.

Was the one that came back to bite him.

Cash.

Gillis line drive right center.

It's down for a hit.

Station to station for Riverside.

But they want more.

They draw first blood.

They're not done.

Two on two out in the top of the eighth.

And Tucker Emery who came out defensively.

Looks like he's going to be due back up.

Nice.

He's hitting their two.

You know everything is offensively.

Today has been not many guys tracking back right.

Everybody has kind of been in front of the outfield.

And it's going to be Lake Wolfe obviously as we saw Emery go out with the injury.

That's Emery that's out there.

Yeah Tucker Everett came back in at first defensively.

Glad to see he's okay.

And he's got a chance to really be big right here.

As for time at the plate Tucker Emery went down early in the game on a strikeout which looked like he was going to be out.

But he's come back in.

And that was smart there too because Jones is having to process a lot.

So Emery says give me a second.

Let's keep putting that pressure on him.

And he smokes this one into left center field.

Long run.

It's a nice catch from Engels in center field.

Wow.

Might be the catch of the season for Cedar Ridge.

They trail one.

Nothing could have been worse.

They'll need at least a run two to walk it off.

As we head to the bottom of the eighth.

Man, the defense has picked up Jones get the run this inning.

But they were great in the field and the infield.

And this you can't track and snag better than that.

It's a one run game still because the heroics in center.

123.

A change is happening.

Let the groove take over.

Which is perfect.

The age of discoveries.

Now when you here.

You know what it is.

So.

I am quite overwhelmed.

That's a joy to be in this world.

Good stuff.

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We roll on in extras.

Bottom of the eighth.

Here's what's at stake.

It's a first state championship on the line for both teams.

Riverside did their part offensively.

Some clutch hitting from Caden Cavazos.

It'll be Bryce Smith out to pitch the bottom of the eighth Cedar Ridge.

They're going to need at least a run at two to win it.

You don't have the right guys coming up.

Top of the lineup Kyle Province to get it started.

He's just been a touch off.

His last at bat was his best of the day.

Let's see if he can come correct here.

Takes a first tack.

Fouls it off.

Oh and one he likes to be aggressive.

I still feel like the better strategy today has been just a pinch of pinch of patience.

Because rhythm has been the big key for a lot of these pitchers today.

Jones has gotten a strong rhythm, but patience helped out last inning.

And then also we saw Gillis getting strong with him.

201 pitch runs up and in nearly hits Province.

All the Timberwolves need is a base runner to apply pressure.

Smart when not to wear that one because he needs a bat in his hands, right?

You know, I know having a runner on first would be great, but he's got a chance to do a lot more than that one one fouled away off to the right side Bryce Smith gets ahead and that's big.

Get ahead of the leadoff hitter.

You just don't want to lose him again.

This this becomes a battle now because you know this is not maybe the guy to go after.

Mistake pitches can really become big mistakes if you leave in the zone.

So how you attack province.

Very interesting.

One two smokes that to the left side.

Foul off the glove of the third baseman Richardson.

Man oh man.

With a lot of foul ground out there outside of third.

That could have been extras.

Yeah that would have been an absolute killer right.

Because as you mentioned, that is not a very this is where every ballpark being different, you know, baseball is different that way, right?

Every basketball courts the same.

But having that much space there fires off the glove.

That's double another one two up and in with a fastball.

Smith going with the heater to run the county.

Even two balls two strikes.

This is a Cedar Ridge team that made it to the semis three straight years.

They lost in 2023 loss in 2024.

They finally won the semifinal match up to make it here.

They got work to do here in the eighth.

Curveball ripped to the shortstop.

Stone backhand stab.

The throw didn't get him.

It gets away for the first baseman.

Wow.

What an attempt from Maddux Stone.

But Kyle Province was not going to be denied.

Yeah I mean all of it just hits it enough into the zone.

And one Aiden what an attempt on the throw wouldn't have gotten him.

But look at that.

Just everything he can to fire that one off.

Man that would have been bang bang.

I guarantee you, if that ball caught at first by Emery a nice stretch just couldn't.

We probably would have had a review either way.

Yeah, it would have been tight.

I think you would have made it either way, but the fact that it was close after that back, it was pretty crazy.

But yeah, Province gets the job done.

So the tying runs aboard first pitch, Aiden Jones skies it into shallow left stone into shallow outfield.

Makes the catch.

Riverside with the first out of the eight.

They're two outs away from our first ever state title.

Just a bit too eager.

And that's one of those things.

Good job.

You know, I do so much college baseball.

We see it there too.

You know, you just you learn like that's why the pros the pros, they want to become professional hitters.

Just knowing the hey I need to see a good pitch here.

I got to do something productive.

So I got to see my pitch.

And I understand the eagerness.

DJ Brown, right back to the pitcher.

His only play will be at first base.

They get the out there.

It does move the tying run into scoring position.

But Riverside there and out away from their first ever state title.

It looks like hit and run right.

Because that ball is hit right back to the pitcher.

And because of that you think, hey, that's a double play ball right there.

But because it's hit back because they have to hit and run on provinces there takes out the double play.

And so now the you do a great job execution because the runner is now in scoring position.

They're going to intentionally walk here to make the out now available at any of the bases, if you will.

And that's the winning run that you're walking right there.

I like the idea you get first and second.

But now for Ty Ward, he's oh for three today.

And a base hit ties it to the outfield and an extra base hit likely wins it.

Yeah.

Well I also think to with this matchup you get to go righty righty as opposed to righty laughing.

Sure.

So a bit more of an advantage there too.

So here we go to reward zero for three with a couple of strikeouts.

Smith delivers and it's a swing and miss the rebels two strikes away from their first ever state title.

The Timberwolves trying to hang on with a tying run at second.

They need a big hit in a big way.

Yeah Ordnance needs to slow himself down here.

He's had a couple pitches high today that he's missed.

How to slow yourself down oh one from Bryce Smith.

Ty Ward popped it up.

That could do it.

Left fielder coming.

Long run for Cavazos in foul ground.

That'll do it.

Riverside, for the first time in school history, are the two baseball state champs.

They had to wait for extra days and an extra inning as well to get the job done.

But the Riverside Rebels win the final state championship game of 2025.

And man, I think that makes it taste just a little bit sweeter.

They had to wait those extra days and an extra inning to get that number one, the rebels celebrating.

First one ever taking back to Lake City, Arkansas, the long awaited championship.

It's the rebels that claim the two AA state title.

We'll be back with the trophy presentation from Benton, Arkansas, here in just a moment.

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I certainly have that support when I play roller derby.

And so we think about that as educators.

A collaborative approach to education.

Arkansas PBS does.

It's such a great job of bringing in our educators in this state to be in programing, to be in professional development.

And I think that's really great.

Teachers enjoy learning from one another, and you'll see that in Arkansas.

Ideas.

These are Arkansas educators leading this learning.

Telling their peers how they were successful or to help them in their growth.

We are supporting kids and empowering them both in their academics, but their social skills, learning to collaborate and work together.

We are making for a stronger community and so Arkansas PBS, being in the community, hosting these family days, providing just incredible academic resources for families, that is so important.

And families are seeking that they want to know more.

They want to help their children and to be able to have a place that is interstate to go to for those ideas, to have that website to get videos or quality of programing, to be able to provide their students is so important, and I do.

I believe Arkansas PBS is making a difference every day.

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Welcome back to Benton, Arkansas.

Riverside.

The rebels their first ever state title victory.

As they take home the hardware in Benton, Arkansas.

Cedar Ridge, the Timberwolves, the tough luck losers.

A pitchers duel for the ages.

And there it is.

The trophy presented to Riverside.

You're 2020 52A baseball state champions in the state of Arkansas.

And the rebels?

Get it down with excellent pitching.

Gillis giving way to Bryce Smith.

They were nails out there on the mound.

Everybody pitched so well, but that combination was fantastic for Riverside.

And man, you know, to see them pair up like that.

Gillis pitching so well it was it was a, you know, not a surprise.

But hey it's a risk going to Smith.

But Smith lights out.

Two outs to us.

Two K's and only two hits allowed.

Both pitchers were lights out.

Let's roll things back.

All in the third inning.

There wasn't a whole lot of offensive action.

Jones pitched brilliantly for the Timberwolves kind of a bases loaded jam on a strike out of Caden Richardson and Cavazos.

He got the strikeout.

That was big.

And then for Riverside Boy putting some bat on ball.

But it was the defense on display.

Nobody could get things rolling.

Seventh inning pressure applied.

But then in the eighth, that's when Riverside got things going.

After the strikeout of Jones got the strikeout in the seventh.

It was the eighth, the top of the eighth.

Big swing from Cavazos delivering to give the rebels the one nothing lead.

And that would stand.

Yeah.

He's the hero there today.

Jones pitched great but Riverside able to edge out one run.

If you put your nine in game it might be one.

One of these teams played ten times.

It might be five.

Five.

So evenly matched.

Great defense.

There keeping it at one run.

Smith comes in the end of the game to shut the door.

And there's the last out shock.

And all right there's a few extra days and an extra inning to get the job done.

But they did.

Championship apparel and memorabilia for this season are available at Arkansas High School sports.com.

And there it is Riverside.

Your champions get a chance to get all that visit WWL Arkansas high school sports.com.

And for them rebels you know they're going to want to go and get their championship apparel memorabilia.

Great logo too.

Oh isn't it.

It's cruciform.

Love that you hate it for Cedar Ridge only one team can win it.

It's Riverside and extra is our third extra inning game of the baseball state championships.

What a weekend.

And now week of baseball it has been.

I want to thank everyone that's been involved for the Triple-A Arkansas PBS productions.

No matter how you were involved, I probably miss somebody.

Thank you so much for what has been a wonderful 2025 Centennial Bank State baseball and Softball championship weekend for my partner, Josh Nabors, and the rest of our wonderful crew.

I'm JB Brazil saying so long from Benton.

That's a wrap on the 2025 baseball and softball season.