Rival.

Day two of the Centennial Bank baseball and softball Championships.

Roll on from Conway, Arkansas.

It's Genoa Central and Ashdown for the three eight state title.

We've already had a full day of baseball and softball.

Really good baseball on tap.

And we anticipate much the same this morning from Conway, Arkansas.

Welcome to the booze.

I'm Gabe Brazil alongside the infamous West.

More West baseballs in the air.

We got a treat in both baseball contest yesterday, and these two teams have already played twice this year.

The winner of this one will take A21 lead.

They split the Titans in the season.

So today is doing the rubber game the rubber game of the season.

These two teams so they're familiar with each other.

They know the pitchers.

They know the hitters.

So it should be a fantastic baseball game to get us started this morning though we certainly expect that.

Here's the schedule of what's on for today.

It's the three day title game.

Ashdown Joe Noah Central coming up here shortly.

And then for a softball box side and Pea Ridge to follow with baseball and softball.

After that four and three title games.

Baseball is, Harding Academy in Brooklyn.

It's going to be Harding Academy Day because as soon as they're done, everybody schools move on over to Shock Stadium and watch the three a softball game.

Wheat flour and Harding Academy will finish this up tonight.

Well, if you look at the Dragons dugout, they're the visiting team.

So they will be able to take the the bat box first.

They'll be hitting Braxton Robertson.

He's their shortstop.

He's going two way to play at Henderson State.

This guy can swing it.

Look at the batting average for 37 for him the season.

Couple of home runs 24 RBI.

And he's been getting it done in the postseason hitting 393.

And when it really matters you see that big three one on his chest right there.

So they all wear that right one.

Last year they lost in the quarterfinals to CAC coach.

And after the game they were not pleased.

They all sat around and said coach this is not going to happen again.

They've used that as fuel to try to take on.

But hey Walt Jones for Ashdown, he's the one that stands in the way he's going to lead it for the Panthers.

The Razorback commit is a two way player.

We'll probably see him pitch at some point today not starting the game, but for 76 gets on base 558% of the time.

Four home runs a heck of a player.

It's going to be fun to watch him and not be great back.

Fans will be excited to watch him up on the hill in the future.

Well, it's a cloudy morning in the central part of the state.

69 degrees is what it feels like 65 on the field.

So a little cooler than what we had yesterday.

Winds blowing out a little bit that might come into effect, we don't know.

But what we do know is first pitch will be coming up right after this storm this morning.

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Welcome back to Conway, Arkansas.

The three eight state championship is right around the corner.

Let's take a look at the Gianola central batting order to start things off.

Will Spears, Braden Cobb and Braxton Robertson, cleanup hitter Cameron Bush, Medford and Wells to follow the Thomas here and Helms.

That's the win.

Rock automotive batting order to get things going.

And they're going to face a little bit of a different arm than they might have been expecting.

It's Tyler Jones that gets the start for Ashdown.

The other Jones nothing.

Tyler's worse than wall.

But you know while Jones who everyone was expecting including Ginola central.

But it's going to be Tyler Jones to start this off.

But I have a feeling at some point we'll see Walker Jones come in.

But two good pitchers will be seeing today from Ashdown.

The Genoa Central will head to face off against Walt Jones.

The Arkansas signee has a E.R.A of 1.40.

But you look at Tyler is he is a little bit better 1.19.

Yeah.

And he's got, you know about 15 innings less pitched than what Jones so that's why they thought what was going to be the guy.

We talked to coach O'Bannon though.

They're going with Kyler Jones.

And then after that it's Walt Jones.

He said we're not going.

Anybody else.

We hope we don't even get to Walt Jones.

But if we do, that's where we're stopping.

That's still going with the law firm of Jones and Jones today.

Here we go.

Just about set for the first pitch Jones comes set delivers to Will Spears.

And we are underway.

1006 the start time for this three AA state championship.

Will Spears, the second baseman for the Dragons, takes that ball low trying to get things going.

It's a low strike to begin.

So that's another zone.

We've seen these umpires great job in these state championship games.

That's Zach Evans behind the plate Elias Hewitt and Bryant Bowerman are the other umpires.

Swing and a miss there from Spears.

And Jones gets ahead one two Spears in the post season hitting 367.

Now his regular season average was 333, so he's hitting better in the postseason.

Good layoff there.

Sure was.

That's a good pitch from Jones to try to you get your head get a swing and Miss Spears a better take these leadoff hitters in this title games.

They've been very disciplined.

Close but no cigar and a full count to start the game.

That's what you want to see from your leadoff hitter.

Take some pitches.

Be patient up there.

Let the guys behind you see what's coming.

There's a pop up or out in front of the catcher.

He throws down to first a chase, that one below.

So swing and a miss.

And that's out.

Number one.

I think he called it a foul ball.

They call it is a foul ball okay I was it was very close.

And I never saw the umpire's hands.

But he's going to get another opportunity.

Got to be safe.

Go ahead and throw down there I'm glad you got better eyes than I do.

Another payoff pitch.

This one right back to the bomb.

Jones.

Underhand flip to first.

And there's our first out of the three day state title game.

Jones gets the first guy out.

Let's take a look at the defensive lineup.

Mason Washington Rudolph and Riley Williamson left to right in the outfield Alton, bomber, Jones, Dolarhyde and Porter there on the infield from left to right and and Johnson's the backstop.

Kyler Jones, the starting pitcher for the Winter Rock automotive defensive lineup.

Here's Braden Cobb, hard hitting, 386 on the season 18 RBI postseason numbers even better for him.

He's hitting 520 in the postseason.

Coach Hudson said, this guy's a legacy.

You know a central tell you win a little bit.

Ground ball to second base dollar Hyde makes the play for three.

Good start for Jones and two of going by dollar.

High charging in getting it on the big hop.

And then he had to get the throw over pretty quickly to first base to get the speedy Cobb played that and executed that really well perfectly.

The slow grounder to ground outs to begin for Kyler Jones and I.

Strong throw to first base, but Kyler Jones is not out of the woods yet.

Toughest hitter in the lineup?

Braxton Robertson standing in.

He takes a strike on the other half and is our feature player player to watch for Noah Central hitting for 3724 RBI.

If he had to knock himself in to get an RBI in this at bat, he's hitting 393 in the postseason.

That's pretty good.

Get to elite talent when you get to the postseason, you're not playing those lower teams in your conference.

Some of those automatic wins, if you will.

So you got to earn a 3.93 average.

That's that's not half bad.

Kyler Jones though, trying to work A123 inning buries the curveball in the dirt.

Nice.

Take the artificial dirt, I should say official dirt in there somewhere.

Hitters count to Braxton Robertson.

Coach calls him be Rob.

Big swing and a miss.

And it's two and two at that off speed off speed.

And then bust him in with the fastball.

He had slowed the bat down a little bit and took advantage of it.

Two balls, two strikes.

Jones to Robertson fouled at the dish.

And he'll live to see another pitch.

That's a good location.

Trying to go outside gets into reach but outside and low everything's been breaking down.

He's got a nice little break on on his curveball right now.

Jones and Robertson in a battle with two out to the top of the first.

Another two two.

Just a little bit outside on the curve.

What's good pitch is pitchers pitch.

As much as what we have seen this weekend, pitchers got to get used to to the zone, wherever it is because they've been consistent with what they call thus far.

Great job from Robertson to laying off of that pitch.

No kidding.

Three two started to the left side, right to the shortstop.

The Arkansas commit walk Jones gloves and throws.

And how about at corner?

Jones faces the minimum.

His Panthers coming to bat right after this.

You know, I think sports are really big to a lot of people.

And because it's an important part of our fabric and our community.

And one good thing about what I've seen is it's high quality production.

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

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

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

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

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Why don't we head to the bottom of the first inning?

Tyler Jones on the bump pitched and face the minimum.

One, two, three went the Dragons.

And now the Panthers get to hit.

Here's how their lineup looks.

Starting things off.

It'll be cutter, dollar Hyde, Walt Jones and then would wall.

And that's A123 punch right there for the Panthers to get things going.

The cleanup hitters Alton Bomber, Mason Washington and Tyler Porter in the middle portion.

Then seven, eight and nine.

It's Williamson Mitchell and Jones.

And they're going to face a familiar face Nicholas Wells gets the start for Genoa Central.

Yeah I'm so impressed with the start.

We saw from Tyler Jones on the mound.

And now they'll try to match it.

But three straight ground ball outs.

It's exactly the way you would like to try it up.

Ground out to the pitcher.

Ground up to the second baseman.

Ground out to the shortstop.

1 to 3.

And now Ashdown tries to take the lead.

The first first pitch to cutter.

Dolarhyde misses the zone.

One ball, no strikes.

Here's what's at stake for both teams.

Ashdown seeking their first ever state title in school history.

This is their sixth appearance, their zero for five in the state title game.

Tell you that statistics show me you make it that many times, you're bound to win one of them, right?

Keep knocking on the door.

At some point you're going to break down that door.

But you think of Ashdown baseball.

I would have never guessed they had never won a state title.

It's a ground ball up the middle from dollar on going to be a tough play.

Diving stop by Spears.

But he won't have a play.

So defense for the Panthers in the top of the first turns into offense to begin.

And that's the game's first baserunner.

Have we saw him make a good play at second base in the top of the inning?

Charges in those runner out now goes to the plate, hits a single up the middle.

And that's the first base runner of the day.

It's a really good piece of hitting from Donna Hyde gives way to Jones, the two hole hitter.

Boy what luxury to have a guy like that hitting into two spot and Wall Jones hitting for 76 on the season gets on base almost 60% of the time and hits a rope out the left field.

Marsden's got a little something going, man.

A little first pitch fastball hunting.

He pipes that right on the barrel.

He's loving it.

Lets his dugout know Back-To-Back singles for Ashdown and boy, they're in business in the bottom of the first wood Walton coming up next.

He's got 16 RBI on the season and the Trinity Valley playing a little baseball there in Athens, Texas.

Is on base percentage is through the roof.

Two best on the team 61% of the time.

He's getting on base to something else special.

He didn't play baseball last year.

He just won a state in track.

He also plays football.

He's really, really fast.

But to begin, for a guy that didn't play baseball last year, you get him in the three spot.

That's pretty impressive.

Tells me Trinity Valley, maybe getting a diamond in the rough.

I know this guy played a lot of ball in his life, and all the sudden they get him on campus and just blows up.

But the lefty on lefty matchup from Wells to Walton Wells is hoping that pays off.

He needs something to go his way, gets a strike on the outer portion.

I mean how about this start from Kyler Jones.

You think maybe Jones is going to start?

No, it's Kyler Jones.

He pitches well.

The offense picking him up with back to back single.

Still got work to do, but right now Ashton's putting a lot of pressure on Genoa Central, the Genoa Central crashing in on the corners.

They're still expecting a bunt.

Third baseman's up, first baseman's up that time they lay back.

First baseman didn't come crashing in so they changed up the game plan a little bit.

Defensively.

And it's a hitter's count now for wood Walton at the infield shifted over to the left shortstop.

You can see him there playing way over in the hole right up the middle trying to play that pull side and cover the runner at second base.

Two one good take from wood, Walton and boy Wells is one bad pitch away from loading them up.

Good take another one of those 55.

We've seen it already.

A couple 5050 calls right there on the outside edge.

This weekend it's been more friendly to the hitter.

Big lead three one.

He got the green light fouls it off challenge fastball from Wells.

And now it's full.

I wonder if they had asked him to bunt earlier in the at bat, or if he was just showing that himself or doing it all on himself.

But obviously there took the bunt off and swinging away.

This is a big pitch early in the game.

Three balls, two strikes, two aboard.

Payoff.

Curveball chopped up the middle dollar high will get the out at second trying to turn two.

They got him low.

Had to be perfect.

And the double play is king for Nicholas Wells.

Got the speedy Walton lead for six three.

Action.

Great job.

Let's take a look at that defense.

After pulling that off.

Here is Braden Carr.

But for Bush left right in the outfield.

But it's the infield that got the job done Wallace Robertson Spears and tier.

That was a great 463 turn.

If Angel Thomas is the catcher Nicholas Wells the pitcher.

And now he's an out away, believe it or not from getting out of the inning unscathed.

But he's got to face Gunner Walton bomber to do it.

The North Bomber hitting 408 for the season on base percentage five 2514 doubles, five home runs.

That 38 RBI leading the team.

This is a huge opportunity here.

Two out hit would be big.

We've seen a lot of two out hits this weekend as Wells curveball.

Boy, it just missed.

Might have missed outside.

I'm not sure it's close.

One ball, one strike.

Go ahead.

Runs at third.

Walton Bombers got some power out of that cleanup spot.

A lot of times you'll see that out of your four guy, five long balls on the season, he'd really have to get a hold of one to leave the park here at Bear Stadium.

Here's the high looping curveball.

Misses.

Now it's three and one.

We're not doing much right now.

Flags limp out in center field.

Not much of a breeze at all.

Three one pitch curveball out in front.

Fouls it off.

I've been impressed with Wells.

Just kind of staying composed.

Gives up two singles, gets a big double play ball, and then he's just really mixed things well to all to bomber.

I think that was ball four.

I think that was going to be a little low.

That was a hitter's count.

That wasn't his pitch, but he's got a chance here to bring a two out RBI payoff pitch.

That one misses.

Low went off speed on the changeup.

Good take from Alton Bomber.

Runners at the corners with two gone.

And Mason Washington will stand in the smart two.

He just look at the averages all time bomber hitting 408.

Next up is Mason Washington.

Washington's hitting 269. Who would you rather face you.

You can be careful with Alton Bomber on A31 count.

And you saw him through two breaking balls down low.

They were both balls, but no need to groove one to him to go live, to fight another day with another hitter that has a little worse average.

That's right.

And you know what's interesting?

That worse average comes into play.

But coach says this guy right here, he said of last couple games, he may be the hottest hitter on the team.

That's a small sample size because you're right, he's struggled all year.

But here in the last two coach said, man, he is really swinging.

They're going to take second base.

No throw down.

So now a base hit to the outfield.

West could be big.

Talk about two out hitting.

Washington's a obviously a patient hitter.

You look at his batting average and compared to on base percentage smokes that one foul outside third weighted on that curveball hitting 269.

Like I said his on base percentage is 505.

It's a huge difference.

So he's getting on base a lot for a walk.

Hit by pitch.

But Washington in a big spot here for Ashton Washington tore his ACL last year.

Didn't play very much making the most of it here trying to in this season.

Big swing and a miss from Nicholas Wells challenge fastball and Washington couldn't catch up.

Well one pitch away from getting out of this jam.

Going to have to protect is Washington Nicholas Wells trying to keep the runners off the board.

One to go home looking really make Wells runs into trouble, but he evades the two base hits.

Nothing doing for Ashdown.

We're scoreless from Conway after one.

After.

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Well, back to action.

Top of the second.

Tyler Jones out for his second inning of work.

He'll face four, five and six Cameron Bush, Riley Munford and the pitcher Nicholas Wells.

Nathaniel Thomas bats.

If anyone reaches and a big curveball, swing and miss mixing a well as Jones got ahead with a first pitch, fastball, curveball, swing and miss, he's got him where he wants him.

Bush hitting 289 on the season 15 RBI.

Been a little bit better in the postseason, hitting 348.

A little waist pitch down in the artificial turf.

Why not?

Here's what's at stake for Genoa Central.

This is their second or excuse me, third title appearance.

They're two for two.

They've won both of theirs.

Sharply hit ball right back through the box Cameron Bush a leadoff single for Genoa Central and the Dragons first base runner in the title game.

So ash down the bottom of the first.

Get their leadoff batter on.

Got a little rally going in North Central trying to do the same.

Now get that leadoff hitter on and see what Munford can do.

How big is that?

It looks like Jones is controlling the at bat.

O2 gets ahead with two really good pitches but Bush would not be denied.

He starts things off for Genoa Central and something to keep in mind for the Dragons.

They've got 15 seniors on their team.

All nine of the starters are seniors.

They've been playing together for quite some time.

How many times have you seen a team in a state championship game with all seniors in the starting lineup?

I don't think I've ever, ever seen anything like that.

What a senior class man that is.

That's pretty special for them.

You know, smaller school.

They've been together a long time and to end your high school playing days in a state championship game with all of you together, that's pretty cool.

I think Coach Hudson, he said for us, he said, this is more about we want to win this.

Absolutely.

But we've only got one more game together.

We've been playing together for so long.

Cherish this because this is something you have to remember for a long time.

Win or lose.

Riley Munford, the Dragons center fielder, gets ahead.

Two balls, no strikes.

So a hitter's count.

And boy, how one hit can change things a little bit.

Shifts now to advantage the hitter with a hitter's count.

Yeah.

You know Jones just got to keep doing what he's doing.

He got three ground ball outs in the first inning.

Another ground ball out.

Could be a double play.

Just like we saw to Noah central turn.

So just keep doing what you're doing.

I mean that was a nice hard hit ball up the middle.

But it was another ground ball that got through.

So you just keep doing what you're doing.

One pitch changes the entire inning.

Sure does.

They're really checking on Bush over at first base.

The two oh to Munford inside nearly hit him.

And here's the deal less you know this.

You talked about a little bit off air.

This you know a central team likes to run.

That puts a lot of pressure for a lot of stolen bases on this team.

It's a remarkable percentage.

They have stolen 76 stolen bases, 76 bases and 28 games.

That's more than two a game.

It's close to three from two and a half a game.

But they're successful 94% of the time.

Wow.

And so if you're a pitcher opposing pitcher, that's in the back of your mind.

And maybe that played into why Kyler Jones is falling behind with a runner aboard, having to worry about Cameron Bush over at first base, three one pitch.

It's long.

Genoa Central.

They've got the first two runners aboard to begin the second nobody out and Nicholas Wells a chance to help himself now with the dish.

Number two Nicholas Wells hitting 259 on the season, 14 hits, 11 RBI.

But once again, I keep looking.

This one is pretty impressive.

Almost every one of their hitters is hitting better in the postseason than they did in the regular season.

You think it'll be the opposite once you get in the postseason and tougher competition, better pitches, pitchers.

You're saying looking to bunt to begin is Wells bunts it foul.

But the way that they played in the state tournament was a six nothing win over Dover.

They went on in the quarterfinals 14 win over Charleston.

This was their pitching believe it or not, that was really dominant as well.

And then an 18 nothing win over Haskell Harmony Grove.

They scored a lot of runs and they didn't allow much offense from the opposition one run in three games.

But that's pretty good.

I think most coaches will take that.

Coach Hudson said that they really are locked in on both sides of the play, offensively and defensively.

On the mound, and right now they're trying to strike first.

They faced a little bit of adversity in the bottom of the first.

Did the Dragons, but they got around it unscathed.

Wells is behind.

Oh and two after both bunt attempts were bunted foul.

Here's Chris Hudson, the head dragon at Genoa Central graduate Andrew Central High School, former pirate in his day.

The ads Wells fouls that one off and out of play.

He speaks so highly of this senior class and he's got to right because he realizes I got a lot of work to do after this year.

It'll be truly a totally different team next year.

For Genoa Central.

You know, some of these coaches, when they make it back to a state title game, you ask and they're like, yeah, but this is new kids Genoa Central.

It's absolutely going to be true if they make it back the O2 up and away.

Yeah.

It's nice to have nine seniors right now.

It won't be nice tomorrow morning to have nine seniors because you're starting all over from scratch.

Don't you?

Hudson said he's he's more excited for the kids, making it a state of title appearance just because of how close the senior group is and for the community.

1 to 2 wells up and away.

Jones needs to finish him off right here.

Look, he was trying to bunt the batters over and unsuccessful in two attempts and.

You got to finish this guy off.

Get the first out of the inning because you almost get a free two strike count.

So now you got one pitch to try to get him.

You don't want to flirt and nibble too much.

This time is called by Nicholas Wells in the batter's box.

And much like we said earlier in the bottom of the first, this at bat right here is really crucial.

How this game could swing early.

He hasn't been able to land the breaking ball the last couple of pitches.

2 to 2 wells low.

Now it's full and west.

We saw the exact same thing in the Bible.

Verse three balls, two strikes, two on.

Nobody out.

If you remember, you know central going to double play both big big double play ball I can't throw was breaking ball right now.

He's not able to locate it.

It's probably got to come in with the fastball and you're going to be sitting on it.

Well sitting on it.

Payoff pitch does go.

Fastball fouls it off outside.

Good battle at the dish with pitcher and hitter.

So you just got to keep going.

Fastball.

You just can't take a chance right now with the breaking ball.

You don't want to walk the guy.

You got to make him hit it.

Got to prove that he can hit your fastball.

Senior on senior Jones to Wells and he got him.

Strike three cold.

That's a big strikeout for Tyler Jones.

JR took him a little longer than he wanted to but he got it done.

Came inside with it and just couldn't pull the trigger.

He knew it too was looking something else.

Boyd for Ashdown had to have it.

And that situation that's a big out little bit of a relief.

You're not out of the woods yet, though.

If you're Jones, that's just the first out.

Nathaniel Thomas, the catcher, stands in.

Coach Hudson says the team they call him the Nathaniel Nathaniel Animal because he's an animal at the plate in 302 this season.

It's good.

12 RBI.

I got a chance to add to it right now.

Catcher can come up big for Genoa Central.

Coach said he's got a very high baseball IQ.

An energy guy.

He got a chance to give Genoa Central the game's first run.

Base here.

Up the middle.

They're going to wave home the runner.

It's a throw to the plate is late.

The drag Gibbons with a base.

Knock up the middle and they strike first.

It's one to nothing.

Ashdown was playing up the middle.

You know.

You kept seeing them play and pay so much attention to Bush at second base.

But the shortstop that just, you see gets away from the middle of the infield.

If he had to stay a little closer, they were playing that a couple of batters later, right up the middle.

He hit it where they weren't good piece of hit and in for Genoa Central the ground ball.

It slowed things down enough to allow that runner from second to score because Walton's got a good arm, he just didn't have enough time to get it home before Ashley.

Right.

So an RBI for the Nathaniel Nathaniel Thomas and now Hayden Teer, the first baseman for the Dragons, will step in.

To your hitting 283 on the season.

He's got 16 RBI hitting better in the postseason, hitting it a 316 clip.

The lefty waits in the first pitch and it catches the bottom portion of the zone.

Good start to the at Baxter.

Kyler Jones as he gets ahead.

Hayden tears at the dish.

He was pitched well a complete game 49 pitch outing in round two against Charleston.

49 pitches to get the win.

That's some efficiency.

Oh one in the turf blocked nicely by the catcher Johnson.

That keeps everybody at bay.

Good job by Johnson.

That was a tough one.

An awkward block for him.

But he got his body over there.

Got in front of it knocked it down.

Dragons have already scored one in the inning on the RBI single from Nathaniel Thomas swing and a miss from T or good pitch from Jones, and he gets ahead.

Some good late action on that pitch.

Coach talked about Kyler Jones and Coach O'Bannon.

He said he'd been struggling with some shoulder injuries throughout the year, but ever since his rehab back, he's been lights out.

Facing a little bit of adversity in this game against Genoa Central, something that Jones hasn't faced in quite some time.

He's had some pretty good outings, but this is a different type of offense.

These two teams match up really well.

Jones came in with the 69 strikeouts, just 15 walks.

That's a good ratio of strikeouts to walks.

Trying to bear down here two two to tier.

Hits it off the end of the bat underneath the glove of the pitcher.

They'll get the out at second turn.

The double play dollar high does it himself for three.

The twin killing dragons only get one, but they take the lead.

As we head to the bottom of the second.

This month on Arkansas PBS must face the fact that nothing will ever come of my writing.

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Let's get you inside.

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Well, let's take a look here at the head skipper for Ashdown, head coach O'Bannon.

We'll get to him here in a bit.

It's his first year as the head panther, believe it or not.

And, he's, let some success getting to the state title game your first year.

No where to go from here.

That's a lot of pressure on the first year, coach.

Right, coach O'Bannon, a historic program, though, down here in Ashdown.

They've got some great players over the years.

Jaydon Hill play some guys Austin Ashley Andy Daniels.

They've got some guys from Ashdown that can ball.

And we'll take a look at coach O'Bannon here a little bit later in the inning Tyler Porter leads things off for Ashdown.

They got a respond.

Gave up a run.

Could have been worse.

All things considered though.

So you feel like you escape things a little bit off for Ashdown to double plays in the game.

He's right.

Team has turned a big double play.

Three balls no strikes.

There is one over the outer portion.

Taking all the way.

Was Porter.

Porter with a good eye.

He's hitting 390 for the season but A505 on base percentage.

So you know he'll take his walks and does right there.

Lead off walk.

Ashdown able to get the lead off runner on both innings now number two.

Still three pass for coach O'Bannon in company.

And Riley Williamson will now step in for Ashdown.

Williamson the right fielder looking to bunt to begin, takes the bat back into ball.

Williamson a 350 hitter.

He's got four double, 16 RBI on the season score 20 runs.

Hampson being asked to bunt.

Try to get Porter over to second base.

But this time does it bonk.

Pops it up.

Right field, long run foul ground and it lands harmlessly down the line.

It's just a strike it again.

You know, I was thinking last night, get the Bermuda Triangle.

People talk about what if we nicknamed that area the Razorback Triangle.

Oh.

Too soon or can we?

I mean, let's be real.

It's a real.

How many people like me that just see that foul ball going down the right.

Yeah.

And you just like, oh, what's the worst point?

I hate that area of a field.

Let's be real though.

That's a tough area regardless.

No doubt.

And so even looking back to that, that was not an easy catch.

Neither was that one.

I think that's that's fair to say that the racial back triangle because it's not routine and you and in a moment I think this is very fitting for a title game to a lot on the steak.

Let's go talk about it.

Yeah.

What a subject we turned into.

Not not it's too early in that it's my fault.

I brought it up.

Two balls, one strike to Williamson down low.

And now Nicholas Wells facing a little bit of adversity after walking the leadoff hitter.

He's in danger of walking Williamson.

Now, how about that.

Some changing it up.

Show bunt swing away show bond.

Leave no essential guessing a little bit there.

Can kind of get in the head a little mind games Taylor Mitchell the weights in the on deck circle.

Big pitch three one squares.

Nice curve.

This it is.

Feel like sometimes on that batter shows but it gets in the pitcher's mind a little bit.

You know you it's just a different look for the pitcher.

And you know every time he went to show Bart he's thinking he's gotten the ball called.

And so why not try it again?

Pulled it back the last second.

If he pulls back as he was for that was a very good pitch.

It's a good pitch on three one even if you're not bunting.

Payoff pitch sliced foul.

Good battle at the dish.

Nice job from Williamson to fight it off.

That was a good pitch.

Good pitchers pitch fouled off a good one.

Sure Wells has gotten a lot of strikeouts on the season on that pitch right there.

I guarantee you yes he's got good numbers.

Another payoff pitch got away from him back to back.

Rex Ashdown replicating what they had in the bottom of the first, first and second.

Nobody out for the Panthers Taylor Mitchell Well it's something Wells can tell himself to though.

Hey I was here.

Made one good pitch, got the double play.

We can do that again.

Just make a good pitch.

No need to panic.

Taylor Mitchell up now for Ashdown.

Designated hitter out of that eight spot.

Now a lot of times you see a D.H. hitting that low gets a bunt down the right side.

That's going to do a job.

They'll cover first.

But man great job of executing Taylor.

Mitchell sacrifices both runners over.

And now Ashdown the chance to drive in at least one.

Here.

We take a look at coach O'Bannon in his first year as the head skipper for the Panthers.

Originally from Redwater, Texas, he coached at New Boston, coached at Paul Pugh at Henderson two years, played at East Texas Baptist University.

This is his first coaching job in Arkansas.

And man, he's doing wonders if he bunts here, get this run home.

He is indeed trying to bunt.

Little safety squeeze bunts it.

Foul.

Unsuccessful for Kyler Jones, the pitcher trying to help himself out.

Showed it once.

Will he do it again?

Didn't like the look of that.

And will maybe making me a little nervous to try it again.

But look, he's seen him all year.

He may know he can get this down seeing his confidence level.

Does he elect to bunt again?

Does not, at least at least for that pitch takes it up and in because we've seen Ashdown show bunt pull back hold and then Japan again later in the bat makes it tough on the first baseman.

The third baseman.

They come charging in on Sundays.

The Bundy they put on the brakes.

See Cuyler Jones signaling hey, hurry, give me the song.

And I'm not I'm not understanding.

Now he's back in big at bat early in the game.

Wells down low.

Nice stop by the catcher.

Thomas keeps it in front.

Tom the first baseman.

Third baseman didn't move.

Now they're playing in their playing.

You know almost to the grass.

But they didn't come charging in.

They stayed put Genoa Central got a run in the top of the second down trying to get at least one back.

It'll be three one though to Kyler Jones in the top of the lineup is looming in the on deck circle with cutter dollar high, and he's a pitch away from walking the bases for yeah, he had a walk in the first inning also.

So already three walks for Wells.

You know Coach Hudson talked about his starting pitcher Nicholas Wells.

Wells has been there one guy all year long and faced a lot of adversity.

After the semifinal game.

They neither won the championship.

He asked coach after the game he said who's going to the championship game?

He said, I'm decided.

You came into the school later on and asked him, hey, go to your plans.

I decided yet day before the game, he asked him again.

He said, coach, who you playing?

Said, I hadn't decided yet.

He said, coach, I'm starting.

It's my ball and here he is.

I like that, but he's facing a little bit of adversity.

How does he respond?

Three one ball, four bases are juiced for Ashdown and there's no place to put cutter dollar high.

Back to the top of the lineup.

And remember dollar had led the game off with the single.

And he's one for one feeling good at the plate.

He's been able to see Wells already going to have a Kirby courtesy runner over at first base.

Runner.

He looks like a ritual.

Going to go get Mitchell out of the game now.

And Tatum Mitchell the sophomore, will come in for the older Taylor Mitchell.

I say that they're both sophomores.

There's cutter dollar right.

You look at one and two.

That's the only two hits of the game for Ashdown it was one and $2 Hyde and Jones.

And so Coach Hudson wants to have a word with his starting pitcher.

He's having several words.

Emphatic words.

Good little tongue lashing.

There you go.

Let him hear what you want to say and give him a pat on the chest.

Let's go.

That's what you know you're playing, right.

You know how to get him in the groove.

We'll see if it pays off.

Ashdown's got the right guys coming up the Arkansas commit and Will Jones in the on deck circle.

Wells would love a double play ball here against cutter.

Dollar high.

When you think about it with everything that's going wrong one pitch you're out of the inning.

No run score.

No kidding.

First pitch fouled away.

He came in there.

Did Wells think that's part of the conversation with Jones?

Hey, you're nibbling too much on some of these guys.

You got good stuff.

Trust your stuff.

And you know he's thinking he's just walked three guys.

He wants to throw a strike.

He wants to get ahead.

I mean, I'm got to be ready to go.

And sure enough, he says it's a great mindset from both pitcher and hitter.

Oh one to dollar hard down in on the bender.

A little bit of drama early in the three A state title game.

Glad you're with us JB Brazil alongside West more first game of the day honing in again control problems continue for Nicholas Wells and it's a hitter's count to Dolarhyde that's problematic because now you kind of come into the zone and he knows it.

Got to be very careful.

Look for your pitch.

Look for something up.

A good pitch from Nicholas.

Well that's a pitchers pitch.

Pitches pitch.

You don't swing at that.

He hits that.

You know what.

Probably a double play ball.

That's right.

Like he finds a hole.

He just beats it into the turf.

Wait for your pitch.

Two strikes dollar high.

Battling off the end of the bat to second.

Could be two.

They get the second for one to first.

They didn't get him.

How about the effort from Dolarhyde?

He dives to reach at first base the fielder's choice, RBI and we're tied at one.

It's North Central able to turn one.

Double play to get out of a jam.

This one just hit a little too soft.

Try to get him with the speed diving in there and Dolarhyde yeah he beats the throw.

You think that's some effort right there.

That's some effort.

But I don't like to slide in the first base jam.

And that shoulder hurting a wrist.

He's oh no I thought he's holding his arm.

He was moving.

It's a little sheet on his arm.

But hey good hustle.

Good job.

Whatever it takes to win a state championship game.

Right I tell you I how you Tex getting a good one in Dolarhyde over at first base.

You're right.

It leave it all on the line.

Nicholas Wells is still not out of the woods yet.

Is.

Ball's in the turf and swiping second base will be dollar right.

So now still pressure applied.

Walt Jones a base hit to the outfield likely scores two.

Okay, I'd be careful here.

Just 20.

I hate to load the bases, but you got such a good hitter up with Walt Jones now.

First bases open.

He hits the ball hard.

That's the other part of it.

Two down and in.

And now you fall in behind two and zero.

You can't groove anything because you might not get it back.

One waltz got an oh two first bases open.

They may be pitching around me here.

Don't don't hit a pitcher's pitch.

And making these yell that's a great pitch.

High looping curve.

You must have been looking for something else.

I tell you, his offspeed, it's got a lot of high and then break on it.

Got to make sure you don't hang it if you're Wells two one curveball.

A little bit of a different angle that time, by the way, that's two and two.

I like the fight from Wells.

He was not going to come in there to two.

Oh, and give Walt Jones first base.

It's coming right at him now.

Two balls, two strikes, two on two out.

Bottom of the second curveball.

Chop left side.

That'll be a tough play for the shortstop.

Long throw.

Wow.

Robertson gets the out at first and we're still tied heading into the top of the third.

Defense on display for the Dragons.

Look at this.

Throw deep into the hole.

Backhand throws across the field.

Got him.

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On top of the third is upon us.

Genoa Central got really big stops defensively.

Robertson throwing out the speedy Will Jones.

Both teams getting stops when they needed both of those innings previous could have been disastrous, and pitching is able to hold them to one run surprise Robertson slot leading off the inning.

Usually you see that you know great defensive play.

And who's up next.

Robertson.

He will hit in the fourth.

So he's got a chance to make a big impact.

Get some runners on base will be Brody Brody Helms his first at bat a game the D.H. batting in the nine spot.

Got some trivia coming for you here a little bit later.

After this at bat, so get your thinking caps on.

Helms a 2.39 hitter during the regular season in the postseason.

This postseason, he's hitting 444.

How about lifting your average up in the postseason?

239 to 444.

Talk about really stepping up big time when you need to smoke this down the right field line.

Foul out of the nine spot.

He put a charge into that opposite field.

What a luxury to have seniors one through nine out there.

On Sunday.

Take a look at the flag out there.

Got the wind picking up a little bit.

Blowing in and to the left towards left field.

And then it quick.

It heard you talking about that flag was going straight out just a second ago.

And we take a shot this time in moving.

I'm not lying to you.

I promise.

It's been that kind of weekend, right?

This this weather's been interesting.

Hasn't been bad weather.

Just been interesting.

Describe it as gusty today.

Yeah, yeah.

At times it's blowing.

At other times not so much gusty with a little bit of personality.

Didn't want to prove you right.

West.

There's a line drive in the left center field.

Base hit out of the nine spot for Brody Helms doing a job to flip things over for the top of the lineup.

Another leadoff hitter on.

We've seen it every half inning except the top of the first for Genoa central IT since then, every leadoff hitter, the second baseman number five Will, is.

So let's take a look here at our trivia question.

Who has reached the state baseball championship game the most without ever winning a title?

That's down right.

I mean, we were talking about it earlier as much success Ashdown's had over the years.

This is their sixth appearance and no titles.

That's a good question.

That's probably why I would say I mean they got to be up there but there may be somebody else that's it's a use the word snake bitten.

But you get there that many times somebody has been it even more than last said without winning.

That's tough.

Yeah that's heartbreaking.

You get that far.

So that tells you right now Ashdown wants this really, really bad.

And there's a reason for that.

We'll talk about it here in a little bit.

Spears hitting 333 on the season.

Even better in the postseason a 367 hitter trying to get another runner on base.

Spears is a good leadoff hitter.

He works the count a ton against Jones before grounding out.

It's a curveball grounded in the left side.

Third baseman gobbles that up as he plays it first, though, because Helms got a great job.

He'll move to second base, hit walks almost like a sacrifice, and he's actually looking down on the pitch.

I don't know if he he must have been running.

He must have, they had the same action going on because he was already at second base or sliding into second base when the third baseman looked over there and really made the smart play.

And no panic from Alden Bohm and threw it over the first.

So Spears gets the job done, runs, moves the runner over in scoring position.

Now Braden Cobb stands in against Connor Jones and a little bit of small ball wasn't necessarily maybe what they were trying to do.

The hope for sure you get two chances now if you're down.

Excuse me.

Genoa central to driving that run Cobb grounded out to the second baseman.

Weak ground ball to second.

Braxton Robertson waits in the on deck circle.

You talked about it.

He might get a chance to bat in this inning.

Barring a double play ball, he will.

And it would have to be a very unorthodox double play for him not to come up to bat in this inning.

Curveball to come opposite field.

Caught by the first baseman.

They merely turned the double play.

We were talking about safe diving back was Helms.

But man, what a play in opposite field brought to the first baseman, though.

Quick throw run.

Heads up play by Helms now batting.

Scampers back quicker.

Up on for two.

He ducked down to get out of the way.

Knew where it was going.

He's got a high baseball IQ and then stayed right on the play.

Call.

The safe.

Low.

Bring up Robertson.

Flash in the glove and the arm in the first inning or the last inning.

His first time bat.

He hit it to the shortstop six three.

Ground ball.

That was our only clean inning of the game.

And we're gonna have a conversation.

Johnson gonna go out and talk to Cuyler Jones.

I think this is one of those deals.

I mean, hey, you got Bush on deck.

He's already had a single.

You.

You don't have to give in to Robertson necessarily, but you certainly don't want to prove anything.

Just be smart.

Robertson waits for ball in, went around.

Strike one for Robertson.

There one of their best hitters, best average.

But Robertson leads the team in home runs, doubles, second in singles, second in RBI.

So yeah, you want to be careful with him when that one gets away from Kyler Jones.

Too tall and open in.

Had to duck out of the way.

Did Robertson.

One ball, one strike to Braxton Robertson.

Coach calls him be Rob B.

Rob trying to come through the high curveball stays up and now it's a hitter's count.

Outfield playing pretty much straight away.

Pretty good depth there.

Back for him.

They know he's got a little power.

It's playing a little deeper than I've seen in other hitters.

That's a good pitch.

It's very good pitch.

It's exactly where you want it low and away from him.

Watching hitters and pitchers battling all game defense has been great for both teams.

Yeah, well play game.

Intense game with all the base runners we've had.

One big hit can break things open, but the pitchers have stepped up in key moments.

Robertson trying to come through for Genoa Central.

Jones trying to come through for Ashdown.

He doesn't get the swing and miss but that was good stuff.

I don't know what to think.

We're going to have a little conference here.

Catcher had his bid up high.

I think he was wanting a high fastball.

They were trying to go up top getting swinging on the high fastball, and he threw a breaking ball and it was down low.

And the catcher looked out to him like what was that?

What was that?

So went out and let's talk about it right here.

Make sure we're on the same page.

There's a look at the hat number 24 for Ashdown.

They had a player C.J.

Harris, passed away back in 2021.

He would be a senior part of the senior class.

They want to play for him and for Ashdown.

They have 23 wins.

If they win today, it would be their first ever state title.

It will be their 24th win.

Robertson draws the walk.

He's aboard.

But that would be a very cool story for Ashdown.

You might think for some honoring C.J.

Harris, it'd be really special and for a special number.

And we just saw 20 for a walk on that.

That's right.

Robertson 24 wins.

You can't write that right.

Very poetic.

You win the state championship and it's win number 24.

And you're all wearing number 24.

In honor of a classmate that's passed away, Bush lines out to left field, but it hangs up.

Washington is there.

And once again, it's the pitcher Wells excuse me.

Jones walking out of trouble.

We're still tied 1 to 1 from Conway.

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Well, earlier today we asked you who's reached the state baseball championship game the most times without ever winning a title.

And for the first time this weekend, and maybe for the first time ever.

I was right.

It is Ashdown.

Ashdown is playing in their six title game today.

Oh, for five so far man.

That's some tough sledding.

And then they're playing a team who's made it twice and won both times 300%.

Yeah was 0% wood Walton at the dish.

Fouls at the plate.

So it's now no balls two strikes Nicolas Wells in a groove.

We've seen pitching really do a nice job for the most part getting into a little bit of trouble.

But they've made the plays that they needed to defense has shown up big.

It's really been a very well-played game.

Early.

Wood Walton, up for the second time, grounded into that 463 double play in the first inning.

That was a huge play for Genoa Central.

Woods hitting 475 on the season, five doubles.

Three are three triples with flare out in the left field, finds a gap, or finds a whole nother leadoff hitter to start the year.

And how about that?

That is now what is that one, two, 3 or 5 consecutive half innings and three now straight for Ashdown.

So Walton doing a job.

It's a nice job of going with the pitch not trying to do too much.

Gets aboard and he's got speed don't you.

He was one stay in track this year so he can fly.

And Gunner Walton bomber walked his first time up.

He's got legit power.

They got a check on Walton over at first.

Got him pretty easily.

Not a huge lead.

That's why I was so surprised when they were able to turn that double play on him earlier.

Because of his speed.

That's right.

Shows me how well, how finely executed that was to turn that double play.

So he got the double play there of him.

And then earlier Robertson gets what Jones on a big play deep in the hole at short.

There's been good defense times called a little bit of a a warning there.

Wants to tell the pitcher you saw.

He made the motion almost like a like a football you know reference where you catch the ball and come set.

It's a home plate umpire for today's contest Zach Evans behind the dish.

Whoa.

Runs off and goes on.

That runner stolen.

It moved the camera to see that.

Tell you what.

He did not have a big jump or big lead.

And it wasn't a great job.

But he was able to get in there quickly just using his natural speed to steal that base is not a big lead.

But speed gets the job done.

He can fly.

So a stolen base.

And now if you're down, you got three chances to drive in the run Walton.

Bama oh well slips and what a play behind the dish.

Diving stop from Thomas to keep the runner from heading to third.

Walton was.

You can see he was ready to go.

He took some steps.

Nice play.

Saved his pitcher Wells from having a runner on third but nobody outs.

And how big are these play?

I mean, it doesn't seem like it, but it goes unnoticed.

If that ball gets away runner at third, nobody out.

Could be a very big difference in what happens later in this inning.

Umpire was quick to go out to the mound that time.

These guys, we've had enough conversations.

We got to play some ball.

It is, well, a third inning bottom of the third.

And this game's an hour old.

Got a pick off and check on Wood Walton over at second base with his speed.

Well, she got imagine a base hit to the outfield.

Good chance to score him.

Check it out in the Genoa central bullpen.

I don't see anybody warming up now.

I don't either.

It's Wells's game right now.

Unless there's someone on the field, they would go to two one.

Curveball chop, left side, third baseman waits on a big hop.

Walton has to stay put.

Howells gets the first down here was out getting the runner moved up.

Got the third baseman.

Check the runner second half second to long.

For me that was a close play at first.

Now batting to left field he got the job done.

It's nice job from Wallace, Bray, Wallace and defensively pump fake and then gets over love seen.

Oh and bomber take it the other way.

Get the ground ball over to the right side.

Move that runner over to third.

Here's Mason Washington.

Now he's struck out looking to end the first inning.

Chops this to the left side.

Right to the third baseman Walton saying he was off and running with contact.

Doesn't job runners at the corners for the Panthers.

And they're in business.

Love to know from the ash down coaches.

Was that called.

Did he do that on his own.

Did they do a little hit and run.

But it worked out.

Perfect placement number three Tyler Porter.

Wow, that's really high IQ.

Knowing your speed.

Coach O'Bannon said it for a lot of his guys.

He trusts him in situations to know what to do.

And Wood Walton big play the championship game now stepping in Tyler Porter the down first baseman who walked his first time up.

Look at it.

Bunt safety squeeze.

Going to be a tough play.

They'll go home.

Not going to get him RBI for Tyler Porter.

He bunts and Ashdown's got the lead.

Gotta have better communication there.

Catcher's got to let the pitcher know.

Go to first.

Go to first.

They didn't have a chance to get the runner.

The speedy Walton was well there.

Here's a good look at the replay right now in the right.

Right now go to foot.

Oh he was he was pointing to first.

Maybe he couldn't hear him.

But the catcher's pointing to first.

So go to first.

No chance to get the runner.

And let's be real that was a great bunt.

Well placed right side to the left.

He's got to come across his body to even have a play at first.

Looking to run again.

Back to back bunt attempts.

Pitcher off the throw to first Lowe.

What a scoop by Terry at first hit that gets away.

At least one more run comes in.

Nice job.

Pressure applied though.

Ashton's got second and third now with two outs and they've already got a run home in the inning.

Naylor great job.

That's the second baseman over there.

He has to go over cover.

And what a tough scoop there.

That bounce was an awkward bounce.

Puts his glove out.

Big time defensive play that could have been a costly mistake.

First pitch to Taylor Mitchell pops it up center field.

Who wants it.

Mumford's there comes everybody off and he makes the catch to end the inning.

But Ashdown they got their first lead of the day.

A safety squeeze does the job and they lead it two one after three.

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Congrats to that young man.

Now move on.

Here in the top of the fourth inning, it's 2 to 1.

Ashdown.

Little small ball.

As you mentioned.

West gets the job done.

Kyler Jones pitching now with the lead.

You got to wonder when we see wall we got to be getting close to that point.

He's thrown three innings and what do you want to do when you want to make that move and bring Walt in to finish the game?

Well coach talked about it.

He said hey, the later the better because we feel like if he comes in earlier, that means Kyler Jones ran into a little bit of trouble.

Munford takes the one zero pitch at the knees for a strike.

He walked his first time up.

Did the Dragons center fielder?

But don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to run him out of the game.

I'm just thinking he's giving you a three.

I mean, he's been good, right?

Good enough doing what you need him to do.

He's open to one run, you know?

But look, he's had to make some pitches to, you know, he has, had baserunners on every inning.

But the first both of these pitchers today, the starters have floated with some trouble.

They've been able to limit it for the most part, because you look at the score 2 to 1 West, there was one big swing or two away for both teams that could make it a little lopsided.

Nicholas given up three hits, two walks.

That's five baserunners in really two innings.

So in the first inning it was one, two, three.

So he's faced some trouble the last two innings.

But off to a good start here.

Struck him out looking.

Munford could not take the bat off his shoulders as he is rung up.

Let's take a look at our umpiring crew.

Congratulations to these three young men.

I say young men probably older than I am Zach Evans, behind the Brett Bowerman for Bryant Bauman over at third base got him hitting him too far inside.

So Nicholas Wells reaches for the first time a hit by pitch.

We've seen how walks hit by pitches can really change things a little bit.

Pressure applied.

Nathaniel Thomas, who singled and drove in the only run of the game for Genoa Central, now two up.

Yep.

Wells looking the first time.

That time Wells that ball came in.

He didn't move.

Was like I'm going to take my free base.

I'm getting on the run for him.

Get him out, let the pitcher rest a little bit, go back into the dugout and prepare for the next half inning.

I'll bring up Nathaniel Thomas, Nathaniel the Fan, Nathaniel.

Nathaniel's got the only RBI for Genoa Central, and he smokes this one right center field.

Base hit for Genoa Central.

Oh.

The hit by pitch leads to a single, and the Dragons got two aboard in the top of the fourth, but the Nathaniel striking again, two for two for six.

And here this animal came to play.

Talk about big moments.

Man two for today in the state championship game.

That's rising to the occasion.

Bring up Hayden Teer.

Teer grounded into a double play in the first or the first time at bat there in the second inning, hit it to the shorts or the second baseman.

The second baseman stepped on second base and threw it over to first.

So maybe looking for some redemption.

Here is Teer.

A base hit to the outfield.

Might score a run, but he was fouled badly on the bender from Kyler Jones and he gets ahead.

Oh, and one.

And he was looking for a little redemption there.

Little amped up swung at a low breaking ball pitch.

Bad pitch.

First and second for Genoa.

Central went back to the same stuff did Jones.

But this time Teer learned his lesson.

Got to go back to it.

If he's going to swing at it once, though, it again.

Brody Helms waiting in the on deck circle.

He's singled to begin the third inning for Genoa Central.

He's hoping to have a crack in this inning.

One 1 to 2.

Your hit sharply right back to the pitcher.

Got a chance to turn two.

Walk Jones.

Oh my.

He got me out at second.

I don't know how a little hoodie at short to at least get one out.

That's big.

Yeah.

Could be a big mistake to that.

Sure.

He got a slow runner.

You can take your time.

No need to rush.

You just sailed the throw flies.

Oh, wow.

Just athletic play to catch it then to be to just dive over, get the tag and get at least one out.

You just make an easy task to your shortstop.

He's going to turn to it.

You just you're just it's going to be an easy double play.

It really should have been just a double play.

But once Jones threw it awry, there's a chance that bases are loaded.

Or worse, it gets into center field and the tying run comes in to score.

So all things considered, probably not the best result for either team because Genoa Central is thinking that could have been a double play.

Ashdown thinking, oh, that could have been an error into the outfield.

As it stands, there's runners at the corners with two outs in the top of the fourth and Brody Helms, the DH already singled today, takes the two seamer high strike at the letters.

We have seen runners all over the basepaths, but still we haven't seen too many the big hits just yet.

Helms hitting 239 for the season, but in the postseason for 44, we've talked about that the first time up.

He's swinging a hot bat.

Good contact there.

Just pulled it a little foul just a little bit in front of it.

Well that's really some good stuff.

Hitting above 400 in the postseason.

Let's be real West.

It doesn't matter what your average is in the regular season.

Sure.

It's nice in terms of, you know, recruitment and all that stuff.

But in terms of getting here, it's what you do in the postseason.

And Genoa Central's been very hot offensively.

See the catcher again.

He was one that high fastball had their glove up high and that time there was no miscommunication.

He threw it where he was asking.

Just couldn't get Helms to bite on it.

It's when you know you're in the groove.

High fastballs, hard lay off of it is eyes get big.

You think you can get Ahold of it?

Too late.

One two to Helms popped him up.

Should in the inning.

Left field.

Washington's over.

So is Walton.

It'll be the center fielder coming over in the gap to make the catch.

Genoa Central threatens, but to no avail.

It's still the Panthers up by a run from Conway.

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Back to the, astound lineup.

And I'm so impressed with Kyler Jones who's now at the plate.

Yeah.

You'll look he he could have got the double play, made the errant throw to second base, shook it off.

You know what?

Let's check it out.

Nobody's scored.

Everything's fine.

We can still get out of this inning without them.

Scoring does a good job of keeping his head.

I was impressed.

Smokes this to the third baseman, though.

Wallace with a nice glove and he throws across the diamond.

Long throw to get the out.

So A53 put out to begin against Jones and continuing on that thought, he realized I got the 900 hitter.

Helms to gets ahead attacks that defensive from Wallace.

Long throw to get the first out of the inning but the lineup flips over now Carter cutter.

Dollar.

Hi I do up with Walt Jones in the on deck circle.

You know I thought Cutler did a good job to you know gets the oh two count.

Shows the high fastball.

Then he follows that up with that high breaking ball.

Gets the batter a little bit out in front of it, slows the bat down, pops it up.

Gets out of the inning.

Both of these pitchers have been really nice job fooling the hitters and fooled that time.

Was Dolarhyde easy?

Three unassisted put out two are gone and that's the name of the game.

As a pitcher, you don't always have to have the velo, but both of these pitchers know how to pitch.

They've been calm.

They haven't given too many free passes away, you know.

And I failed to mention when Kyler Jones grounded out to third.

That's the first time they got the, first batter out.

Ginola central again allowed the ash down leadoff hitter and every half inning to get on base.

That was the first time.

And we may have, the first one, two, three inning for Ashdown.

The first two guys are out.

Well, Jones wants to have something to say about that, though.

He said I grounded out last time, but he barrels it up.

That's that's something about Jones.

If you're going to get him, likely going to have to get him out of ball.

Singled in his first at bat and looked like he had another single hit in the shortstop third base hole.

But the, shortstop for Genoa Central Braxton Robertson did a great job going into the hole.

Deep throw lot on the throw.

Able to get him a first.

That was one of the better plays we've seen.

Well, at the time it would have given Ashdown a run but instead ended the inning on a bang bang play deep in the hole at short.

Both of these teams leaving it all on the line it's own to little short on short crime.

The sure was Wells trying to get Walt Jones goes curveball outer half, but a nice job to spoil it by Walt Jones.

Get him out there leaning.

I say bust him inside is exactly what I was thinking.

You bust him inside.

The only problem is Jones does have quick hands.

So if you're going to do it, you got to make sure maybe you leave it up and in.

See what he elects to do.

Bases empty.

Two gone in the bottom of the fourth he goes Bender down in away, trying to get the swing and miss stuff.

But Jones has got a good eye.

It's a good thought.

He chased the outside pitch, got him to flick it out.

Look at the way to right field to see if he'll go a little further.

Nicholas Wells work is first.

One, two, three inning down and in.

Inside that time, just a little too far low.

Panthers trying to start a little two out rally.

But Nicholas Wells wants to face the minimum battle at the dish.

Jones swing and a miss got him swinging on the curveball.

That's a big out.

And Janella central gets a one, two, three.

We played for from Conway to the top of the fifth.

We go in the three.

A state title game.

Win.

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So talented.

It has been a great morning in Conway, Arkansas.

Took a look back at how things got rolling the first inning.

It was defense double play from Janella Central.

They got the speedy Walton.

Go a little bit further.

Second inning.

How bout the Dragons responding the animal base hit up the middle.

That got homer on the first run of the game.

Made it one to nothing but down.

Said you can get one.

All right, we'll get one back.

Ground ball up the middle.

Defense on display.

They couldn't get the double play because of the effort.

Diving at first that tied things up in a little bit of small ball safety squeeze or to perfection two one the lead Panthers had runners aboard but were unable to capitalize further.

They got the lead here, though, in the top of the fifth trying to hang on.

Kyler Jones working his fifth inning is Will spear steps in for the Dragons.

One for two today and he chops this one up the middle.

Jones behind the bag.

Can't score.

Nice play to throw him out.

And that's the first out of the inning.

Now that fielder number nine bring up did a nice job coming across Jones.

The Arkansas commit.

And now stepping in Braden Cobb.

Braxton Robertson the shortstop waiting in the on deck circle.

He was our featured player.

We'll have a story on him coming up here in just a moment.

Com first pitch laced is short Jones waits for the big hop throw to first and they got him six three put out quickly two on going for Kyler Jones.

One hop shot to Jones but a really nice play through across the diamond boy.

It was bang bang over at first and they got it by half.

That's a great look by our camera crew.

Well here's Braxton Robertson.

He's if you take a look at his necklace for Robertson.

We'll show you that here in a moment.

You see, it was also in the beginning.

That's a picture of his grandmother and his father.

His father, Quincy passed away a year ago.

And so he's not here for his senior season.

Coach said about Braxton that naturally, his father was his biggest supporter.

He was always the first one of the game videotaping, the loudest supporter.

It's been tough for Robertson.

He wants to win it for his father because he knows his father is looking down and so proud of him right now, and he's played a whale of a game.

I know his father is proud right now.

Gray played shortstop earlier in the game.

He walked his last time at the bat.

Know he wants to make his grandmother proud as well.

That one's up and in, so he wears it.

He's reached base twice now.

Jones trying to work a one, two, three inning.

But that won't happen.

It's Cameron Bush, the cleanup hitter will now get a chance on the man.

What stories we've had today, right.

A lot of emotions for both of these teams.

Yes.

Down 24 for the fallen teammate looking for their 24th win.

No.

It's one of these guys laying it out on the line.

You wouldn't expect anything else but a close game a 2 to 1 game in the fifth.

So now Cameron Bush who singled back in the second, flew out last time trying to keep a little thing rolling here.

Two out rally.

For Genoa Central getting a little later Bush had a leadoff single in the second.

Flew out to left.

You know actually hit that ball good to left field.

He did that was a with runner on a couple runners on hit runners on first and second.

Just hung in the air a little bit.

Left fielder was able to make the catch.

So he's been aggressive and put the ball on the bat or bat on the ball.

I'd love to say that the wind knocked that ball down in that inning, but it's been so off and on.

You could never tell.

I think he just got a little unfortunate and hit it right at the left fielder, and they got good range out there and left Washington the whole outfield.

Walton and Williamson hits two balls.

No strikes though.

Now to Cameron Bush.

High fastball.

Now it's three and zero.

So looked like he was going to walk a quick inning.

Got two ground outs to short Spears and Cobb.

But then a couple pitches later hit by a pitch to Robertson.

And now he's one pitch away from walking Cameron Bush.

And he'll do it down low for pitch walk.

But the patience from Bush, I mean wish that he had first hit, first time at bat.

Good single, second time.

Hit the ball really hard.

He's seeing it.

He's feeling it.

And he was so patient in that at bat.

That's a good good at bat from Bush.

Not to help things out at all.

And now with two aboard Riley Munford he walked and struck out over one officially in the game.

Fooled him in his last at bat.

Got him looking for the first pitch is a little too tall.

You got to be thinking West Jones is pitch well, don't get me wrong, but you still got your dude Walt Jones over at Short at your disposal.

Over 80 pitches now in the game.

Ginola central.

Just looking for that big hit that got one from Nathaniel Thomas earlier.

Swing and a miss that time inside pitch from Jones.

And he gets the swing and a miss.

Yeah I can't imagine Nathaniel Nathaniel Thomas seeing Kyler again.

He's a couple batters away.

And I mean honestly, this could be his last batter.

Yeah.

Very well.

Could be.

We'll chopper to the left side.

Going to be a tough play.

Third baseman Alton Bomber low throw the scoop from Porter.

And once again Kyler Jones walks into some trouble but he gets out unscathed.

We've got a good one in the three eight state championship.

Panthers lead at two one over the Dragons.

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Took care of all of our camera operators.

They're doing a fantastic job all weekend long.

So far and I'm happy for them.

The weather's been awesome.

You know, the sun is much cooler weather today.

That's not often.

That's baseball and softball state title games that you have 60 degree weather for first pitch swinging wind.

Walton bus that one through the four hole, a hanging curveball.

He was sitting on it and smokes it.

That's down.

Wasn't able to get the leadoff runner on in the last half inning, but once again leadoff runner on again.

That's four out of five innings.

There's no way this guy didn't play baseball last year.

Mike good is two for three day.

And that's not an easy pitch to hit.

Was a curveball.

He crushed it.

Now brings in gunner Alton Bomber.

He's old for one today a groundout in the walk.

And he swings and misses at the first pitch.

Alta bomber, a 408 hitter.

Gets on base more than half the time, 52%.

He's got 14 doubles, five home runs, 38 RBI.

And Ashdown, looking to add to their lead, get some insurance runs.

They've had another great game in the baseball state championship.

Boy out in front of that one was Alton Bomber.

But he squared it up plenty foul came inside and he took that low inside ball and tried to golf it out to left field.

Just a hair in front.

The golf state championships have already been completed right.

The I think we'll stay out of that I think so I think it's in the fall.

Yeah it's in the fall.

Yeah.

That's right okay.

Yeah.

So.

Oh two down in the way for Alton bomber got second easily.

That's a great jump from Walter Sharp in that back plate a good jump.

Saw the ball down low and took off immediately.

That IQ that's tough to do against a lefty.

He gave it a little hesitation.

That's what got me.

He took a couple steps, kind of paused and kept on going okay so now so three chances to drive him in ground ball to third.

They'll hold the runner at second.

Now Williams trying to move to third base.

He will heads up baserunning.

It looks like a sacrifice.

Runner at third now with one out Alton Bomber doing a job.

All things to Alton.

You say they pulled the first baseman off the bag.

Oh wow.

Fielder number ten.

Sure enough, he had to come off the bag and to seal that angle.

Regardless, it works out even better.

So now you got two on.

Nobody out.

And you just see the speed of Walton.

As soon as that third baseman let it go, he was gone.

So here's Mason Washington.

That has to be in there.

Yep.

And they're going to give the third baseman an error on the throw.

That's our first error of the game.

Defense has been so well you think about some of the scoop throws we've seen at first base a couple big time plays by a first baseman.

One time it was second baseman covering first Washington's oh for two first pitch curve ball leaping catch it second.

They're going to double him off at first.

You got to be kidding me.

What a play for Genoa Central.

They needed that badly.

Another great defensive play.

What a pick me up.

Here's a great look out at second baseman.

Able to make the catch he was trying to steal I think he was off on the pitch.

I think that was a hit and run and just got unfortunate.

Wow.

So now two are gone on another double play in a huge situation in the ballgame.

It's all up to Tyler Porter.

If Ashdown is going to be able to score that runner from third.

Looked like they were in business first and third.

Nobody out.

Line.

Drive.

Left.

Center field.

Clutch hitting for Tyler Porter on base.

Hit an RBI and ensure for Ashdown they lead it 3 to 1.

What a pick me up.

Oh what a huge play.

Momentum swing right there.

First and third.

Nobody out and into a double play.

It's Noah Central all excited about getting out of the inning.

And you get that clutch two out RBI low insurance run.

How about Tyler Porter today doing a lot of the small things he's walked.

He's done a job with a sacrifice bunt.

Runners over and then two outs needing a big hit.

He delivers to AD.

It is three one the lead.

Look at this numbers he scored run.

Not now he's knocked in a run.

So that's two of the three runs he's responsible for.

To the left side diving stop at third from Wallace.

Gets up.

Throw to first is late.

So an infield single for Riley Williamson.

And that's down there.

Still not done here in the fifth.

Another two out hit.

One more two out hit score run.

Most likely.

Nice attempt there at third for Wallace.

Just the speed limit for Williamson allowing him to reach runners at first and second.

Now two outs for Taylor Mitchell and Ashdown got a chance to keep on sprinkling in some runs.

Mitchell looking for his first hit of the day.

And a bunt in the first on his first at bat moves.

The runner over actually moved the runners over.

That was a big hit.

You know a bat because they ended up scoring that inning.

Got the runners over the second and third, and he flew out to center field in the third.

One oh pitch Mitchell curveball fouled off his foot.

We'll do it again now.

One and one.

Wells up over 80 pitches now.

Very solid.

Just trying to keep it A31 game.

Needs a big pitch here.

Fouled away.

And if you're Genoa Central don't get me wrong.

You don't like giving up runs.

But at this point you feel like okay they did get that clutch two out hit.

But if you can shut the door right here you feel like you're still quite well in this thing.

Definitely just looking up.

We've had 1718 runners in a 3 to 1 game pick.

It goes off the runner in the right field.

A fluke play is going to pay off for Ashdown.

Both runners advance.

That hit off Tyler Porter at second.

It was right over the top of the bag but it hit the base runner so he saves.

Everybody moves up.

And now Ashdown with a base hit can drive in two more runs.

Him.

Robertson was trying to was there but they kind of just collided.

You know they just ran into each other and could have hit a glove on the ball.

Well he's running behind the runner.

He's coming behind and there's no way to get in front.

Pop up foul and out of play.

So now more than ever, Wells really wants to get Taylor Mitchell with the one ball, two strike count.

How demoralizing would it be for Wells?

Because now Ashdown a chance could be clutch.

And they add two more.

That's a gut punch.

Two errors this inning.

Taylor Mitchell trying to come through for the Panthers.

Wells trying to shut the door.

Ground ball left side just fouled down the line.

Boy he made a bid there.

If that gets through it's five one.

Ashdown.

So close.

Just a hair to the left of the bag.

He's one pitch away though.

One pitch.

That's it for Wells.

No harm, no foul.

So far he's avoided the big swing.

Mitchell chokes up on the bat.

One, two.

Just a little bit low.

That's a really good tag.

Goodbye.

Man, this game is really fit the bill and we thought it might be a good game.

Both teams have beat each other once in the season, but a nail biter bottom of the fifth, two two.

Curveball fouled again.

Mitchell hanging tough.

Got him out front reaching for that Berry one might get him.

Regardless, he's worked the pitch count even more for Nicholas Wells, who's labored a little bit here in this inning.

But it's been the offense for Ashdown.

Boy, how big was that double play earlier now for Genoa Central.

Trying to get out of the woods.

Two two.

The high heat swing and a miss.

Wells need it badly.

He gets the strike out but Ashdown and another two out hitting for Tyler Porter.

They're up 3 to 1.

On to the sixth.

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Experience the action all over again next week.

Watch all the championship games on the PBS app anytime.

It's always fun to be able to go back and relive these highlights.

Relive these games, find them all there.

This is why you're going to want to go back and watch.

I guarantee you this has been a great ballgame.

Good look at the centerfield flag when picking up a little bit, blowing in.

Nicholas Wells start things off against Kyler Jones opposite field but got it off the end of the bat.

Walt Jones is there for the easy put out and the leadoff batter is gone.

You know with central down to their final five out to the season.

Now batting number three Tyler Jones still in there I thought maybe I thought so too.

Is sixth inning.

But you know what.

Why why.

Well I mean he keeps working out of jams.

Still only giving up one run.

I mean, I think you're right.

I think Jones on the I test.

You think?

Boy, he's been touched up at times.

But you look up there, he's only giving up one run.

He's done the job giving up four hits.

Oh, one curveball hits sharply, but right to Jones.

He's been a vacuum over it.

Short, easy.

Pull it out quickly.

Two are gone.

Well you know he did that to lessen it.

Got a couple quick ground outs.

And then he had that hit by pitch the walk and he got out of the inning.

The ground ball.

So now it's going to be all up to Hayden Teer who was zero for two today out of that eight spot grounded out to a double play.

The second was a big double play.

Really.

Could have been another double play.

The next time a member he made it to the pitcher and Jones threw it away and well, how big is catch.

Just a two to catch it and then dives and tags the runner.

That was a big moment in the game.

JR was.

In swing and a miss from here.

You go back to that.

If Jones is not there and he doesn't make that diving play, that inning may look totally different.

No.

But if he makes a good throw, it's a right over.

He did get out of the inning with unscathed.

Remember you got the next batter to fly out.

Little pop up to centerfield.

But yeah that was tell you what Jones and Jones there, that was a crucial play.

They needed it.

Two balls one strike to Hayden.

Teer fouls it off.

It's now two and two.

But I'll tell you that's what we've seen today for the most part.

Clutch opportunities he did the pitcher the hitters Genoa Central though has just not had that big hit when they needed it.

And he can credit Kyra Jones for his pitching.

Trying to work A12, three inning.

It would be his first since the very beginning of the game, two two to tier just a little bit inside.

Here.

And the fans wanted it there and he got it inside.

So well payoff pitch to the Dragon first baseman chased the high fastball.

That one might have been out of the zone and he fouls it back.

He's taller guy big, taller strike zone.

But I think that would have been a little up.

He's thinking maybe too close to take.

So let's fight it off.

I don't blame him.

Payoff pitch again Tyler Jones trying to face the minimum and he'll do it.

Swing and a miss.

Pulled the string.

One, two three.

Go!

The Dragons in the top of the sixth.

Ashdown trying to add to the three one lead from Conway.

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Well, Nicholas Wells out for the bottom of the sixth inning.

He'll face nine one and two Kyler Jones, dollar and Walt Jones.

Wells up to 86 pitches now because he has a pitch badly either five innings giving up six hits, four walks.

A lot of base runners, ten base runners in five innings.

So basically two an inning.

But he's walked out of trouble for the most part.

Yeah, just a couple of relief.

Watch hitting for Marsh down last inning.

It was Tyler Porter with two outs.

Thought he was going to be able to get out of with A21 deficit.

He gets the leadoff hitter Jones though to begin.

We'll bring up cutter dollar high.

First pitch fouled away.

So Wells has been the dude all year long.

He feels like he's pitched well enough.

Maybe left a couple of opportunities out there that second inning.

The three walks really came back to bite him.

Dollar Hyde fouls it off.

But right now, Janella Central is going to need their offense to come to life in the top of the seventh.

They'll need at least two to keep the game rolling.

It will be nine one and two as we look ahead.

Helms, Spears and Cobb do up.

They're hoping it's just two runs that they'll need.

Dollar Hyde, battling had a leadoff single to start the game.

RBI ground out in the second inning, then hit to the first baseman three unassisted last time.

Up oh two.

Hit to that right side off the end of the bat.

Nobody's covering first.

They're not going to be able to get him.

Carter Dolarhyde pushed it to the right side and Wells did not cover the bag.

So the Panthers will have a base runner out with one away.

Let's take a look at the replay.

Wells, just a little late getting off of the mound.

Too late.

Just kind of falls off to that third base side.

Couldn't get over there in time.

So now Ashdown, they got the right guy.

Up walked Jones the Arkansas commit.

He is one for three today.

Well struck him out last time.

First pitch though smokes it into left field through the sixth hole.

Runners moving from first to third.

That's Dolarhyde ace down takes advantage.

They got two aboard the Panther faithful love it.

And they're trying to add to the lead I love the aggressiveness of moving from first to third.

Immediately coach was signaling come on, come on, come on, let's make the turn.

Let's go first to third.

Getting the scoring position with one out.

It crushed that off and running.

That helped him get over to third two there.

Smoked.

Now wood Walton the man that did not play baseball last year.

He's two for three two singles trying to come up clutch here.

He's got good speed but he has grounded into a double play today.

He's also scored twice.

Oh that one gets away from the catcher.

They're going to wait on the runner.

He'll die in safely.

Ashdown gets another on the miscue.

Diving in is Dolarhyde.

And it's four one Panthers.

And they're not done because Jones took second.

He's in scoring position.

So now a base hit from Walton could make it 5 to 1.

Here's that pitch that got away.

You see the aggressiveness from Ashdown while Jones was running on the pitch to to second.

And when dollars dollar Hyde was also running.

Well I don't know if it's a hit and run or he was a straight steal when Jones got his single and that allowed him to get over to third.

So you've seen Ashdown aggressiveness with the lead.

You don't see that a ton.

But in the title game Ashdown pushing the right buttons.

And hey likely the pressure applied causing some problems.

But man West you go back to that ground ball to the right side of the infield.

Wells didn't cover first and Ashdown's made him pay.

Still not done in the inning.

Wood Walton a two for three day.

Takes it up and away.

Will have a hitter's count.

That's a good point.

He covers first.

There's two outs in the wall Jones single and doesn't do anything.

Doesn't hurt you.

Still not out of the woods for one.

Ashdown already got one home in the inning.

They've not scored more than one run in any inning today.

They got one in the second, one in the third, one in the fifth and now one in the sixth inning.

But man, how demoralizing would it be if Walton is able to drive home another run?

Woods, a 475 hitter, good hitter up there, 16 RBI.

The lefty lefty matchup two one curveballs fouled away.

Wells comes in that curveball.

Any count he struck to the all night, all morning, and woods saw that I mean it was he was patient here.

He's seen it before.

And he stayed on it stayed on it fouled it all.

Still a big at bat here in the bottom of the sixth.

Ashdown trying to add yet another.

They'll check on the runner again Walt Jones is dancing out there at second base.

Braxton Robertson trying to keep him close.

Wells doesn't like the lead that he's getting.

Another two two count to wood Walton.

Balls fouled off.

And you see Walt Jones was trying to swipe third base off and running.

They have been very aggressive here in the state title game.

Here's a look at Walt Jones.

He was off moment.

Pitcher comes home.

He's going.

And I like that right.

If you try to throw down maybe you throw it away.

Apply pressure.

Two two runner going again Jones.

That once popped up on the infield Jones has got to get back to second base.

He will be the second baseman.

Spears coming in.

He'll corral that.

That's the second out.

That's a big out.

I'm not even sure if it is.

Gunner Alton Bomber will be due up with two outs and a runner at second.

Dalton Bomber walked his first plate appearance in the first inning, grounded out to third in the third, and then grounded out or actually got on base.

Now for the fifth inning.

His last time up.

A little mound visit with Coach Hudson and the starter, Nicholas Wells, wants to just get one more out.

They just get one more here.

We know we got a job to do in the top of the seventh, but let's get us to the seventh.

Was not meeting any more than three runs.

You do have to be careful to Alton Bomber though.

He's going big fly five times this year.

He'd really have to get a hold of one zero to leave this park in 408.

On the season, 14 doubles, you find a gap that would be huge.

Oh.

Gets away from the catcher.

Jones dives to third.

He thought about coming home, but a wide turn at the aggression of Jones though.

You got to do that.

Slide safely at third.

Gets up quickly seeing if he might have a chance.

Well you throw another wild pitch.

He scores.

That's a pass.

Pass just gets away from the catcher I think he thought, hey, I see Jones running.

I got a glove it quickly and throw.

And that what may have caused problems on the receiving end.

Now an infield single anything gets the runner home Alton bomber way out in front of the curve ball.

You got to be careful if you're Wells.

You're right.

Runner at third.

Jones.

That ball gets away from the catcher.

He's coming home.

Run up and away.

He's getting a walking lead off a third base.

Creeping on down the line.

Two one pinch.

Another curveball laced to short but caught by Robertson to end the inning.

Panthers get a run, though.

They're looking for their first state title in school history three yards away as they lead it 4 to 1 in A38 state championship.

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Well, there's been a change, Wess.

Walt Jones, the Arkansas commit coming in to close it out.

Three outs away.

What would be Ashton's first ever state title?

He's got good numbers, 50 innings pitched.

He's pitched the most innings on this team.

Three and one record, 69 strikeouts to 59 walks.

His ERA is 1.40.

So 15 walks and 50 innings.

Pretty good ratio.

Those strikes bit strikeouts.

But can you imagine the adrenaline that's flowing through his body right now?

It's got to somehow stay calm and just make his pitches.

Three outs away from winning the title.

Remember Ashdown making it now in their sixth appearance.

They're all for five in the state title game.

There's three outs away as Brody Helms will lead things off for Genoa Central.

He's one for two today needing to start something for the Dragons.

He's running out of time outs.

Helms has a hit today.

Had a leadoff single in the third inning trying to get another leadoff single here or lead off get on base somehow.

Got to get some base runners.

Ginola central.

Just trying to battle that one.

Gets away from Walt Jones.

What a senior class this has been for Genoa Central.

Regardless of the outcome in an incredible season, they're hoping they've got a little bit of magic left on this historic Dragon run.

One one from Jones.

Little overpowered.

Missing down and in here.

Down on the way.

I should say.

Their first batter.

Everything on the line.

You got to make him throw strikes.

You gotta make him throw another one.

I'd probably take.

Make him take.

Sure make.

Make him take another strike.

There it is.

But he swings and chops it to the right side.

Second baseman's there.

Makes the play and throws him out.

That's Dolarhyde for three on the put out and Ashdown's two outs away.

Back to the top of the lineup Will Spears up next.

Spears is grounded out three times today.

Grounded to the pitcher.

The third baseman in the shortstop.

Class of hitter 333 average on the season.

Delivers a first pitch strike.

Defensively, Williamson moves to shortstop from right field.

Washington's now in right field and then Logan Irwin.

End of the game.

For the first time in left field for the Panthers.

He makes appearance in the title game.

While Jones able to get ahead of him with the first pitch strike.

Spears trying to battle one one, fouled away and what's a one ball, two strike count?

Jones gets ahead.

And able to locate his fastball.

It's the offspeed stuff that's giving him a little problem.

Curveball line.

Drive up the middle.

Base hit for Will Spears.

Quach needed it all for three day up until that at bat, and a big base hit with A12 count.

Just hung a little bit up in the zone and able to get enough bat on it to hit it right up the middle.

It's a good piece of hitting.

Didn't try to do too much Genoa Central.

They need one more base runner to bring the tying run to the plate.

Braden Cobb, the left fielder.

He's on for three today as well.

Ground out to second to third baseman Adam inside.

Ashton's also thinking hey, double play seals the deal.

That's worst case scenario for Genoa Central.

Oh one to Cobb.

Bounced away.

Nice job receiving back there from the catcher Johnson.

He's done a great job.

Both catchers have played really well in the state title game.

This one's been a well-played game from both sides.

One one fastball, outer half swing and a miss.

That's a good pitch.

Just late was outside and it was a good fastball Cobb late with the swing.

Now he's got to protect Jones.

Had Spears one two.

Gave up a hit trying to get the strikeout to come off.

But he gets just enough to stay alive.

Back on that outside portion.

Well you know the nerves are starting to settle in for the fan base.

A little high if he can just get it down a little bit.

I don't think he can reach that out there.

Cobb trying to battle for Genoa Central.

One, two again.

Swing and a miss.

The juice from Walt Jones and the Ashdown faithful.

They could almost feel it right now when it comes up to Robertson.

Kind of fitting right.

Their best hitter, one of their best players.

When he did he got a little lower that time.

No way to hit that.

He just could not get to it.

You saw the Ashdown faithful come to their feet.

They're one out away from bringing home their first ever state title strike one to Braxton Robertson.

Robertson.

He was our feature player.

They're going to need him to get.

On if the Dragons have a chance.

Robertson's been big for him all season.

Needs to get on base.

Just find any way to get on base a little bit outside.

Keep the inning alive.

Yeah, well, that's tough to do.

This is a big moment for both pitcher and hitter.

Cameron Bush would be next.

Represents the tying run.

Catcher sets up.

It's away from walk Jones runner moves to second.

And that run by itself doesn't mean anything anyway.

But sometimes as a hitter you see runners in scoring position drive a run.

You start trying to build a little rally.

It takes away an easy force at second base.

So ground ball to that left side of the infield a little longer.

Throw.

Hitters count to Robertson.

Jones trying to end it for Ashdown.

Up and in with the heater.

And it's three balls and a strike.

To give Bush a chance to get on base.

Give Bush a shot.

Just turn it over to the next batter.

That's all you can do right now.

One pitch at a time.

Jones coming set again.

He's ready to go.

Three one strike over the outer portion.

And now Ashdown's one strike away.

Huge pitch.

Robertson trying to keep the season alive Jones trying to win it for the Panthers.

The payoff gets a little bit low.

Great take from Robertson.

And the Dragons will have a chance.

The tying run will come to the plate.

Number one Cameron Bush up.

Bush today.

Had a single in his first the bat and scored a run.

Flew out to left him, walked.

We've talked about it.

The winds died down a little bit.

Not doing much right now.

First pitch to Bush.

Strike at the knees.

Good pitch from Jones to get ahead.

Bush hitting 348 in the postseason.

Better average in the postseason than during the regular season.

Oh one fastball, swing and a miss.

Strike two Jones.

For the second time, the Panthers are a strike away.

You mess around with the breaking pitch here.

Just come at him a little late on that fastball.

I think I try to throw another fastball in that outside corner right at the catcher's knee bush, trying to stay alive.

Extend the ball game oh two.

Swing and a miss.

Jones strikes him out and the drought is over.

Ashdown wins their first ever state title on a strike out from long Jones for the one down, one one base.

Your final four.

The drought is over for the Panthers.

You don't see on the exhilaration.

Big time pitch.

You see the reaction down to his knees.

Oh wow.

And the senior.

That would be C.J.

Harris, number 24.

It's the 24th win of the season for Ashdown.

How poetic as the Panthers dogpile.

We'll have the trophy presentation coming up.

The three AA state champs.

It's the Ashdown Panthers.

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We're back.

Well, Ashdown has been missing something in the trophy case for the first time ever in school history.

They bring home the state championship in baseball, a huge performance.

Congratulations to the Panthers.

Win number 24 for number 24.

It feels so good for Ashdown.

Man, what a performance.

You're right.

So many storylines coming in.

But it was the Panthers good defense.

How about the pitching from Kyler Jones paved the way for Walt Jones to close it out.

This was a thriller through and through.

And you saw the state tournament MVP trophy going to Kyler Jones.

Six good innings.

Gave up just one earned run.

And like you said, they paved the way.

And all that Jones has to do is Walt Jones has to come in and get the final three.

That's the toughest three outs to get in baseball.

But he got it done.

4 to 1.

Ashdown let's take a look back at the highlights from today's three state title game.

First inning Rowan Wood Walton grounded into this double play up.

The middle defense for Genoa Central was big early.

They got that double play kept Ashdown off the board.

But it was the second inning that it was Nathaniel Thomas.

Nathaniel getting things going for the Panthers.

That made it one to nothing, but that would be all.

Genoa Central could muster.

Half inning later there was a ground ball double play attempt, but a diving play at first allowed Ashdown to score the fielder's choice grounder and then the safety squeeze.

Small ball gave Ashdown the lead 2 to 1 and they would never relinquish the lead two one.

The score, they'd have it for good.

They tack on one more in the sixth inning.

Again, it was Walton at the plate.

Ball gets away and diving in to score for Ashdown made it 3 to 1.

They had one more for good measure.

And then Walt Jones slams the door, elated as he gets the dogpile going for the Panthers in their first ever state title.

Official championship apparel and memorabilia for this season are available to the Arkansas High School sports.com.

Ashdown.

You Panthers want to get your gear Arkansas high school sports.com.

Man what a game to begin our Friday of Champions weekend.

We've got three more on Tap West softball to follow here in just a moment.

It's the for a title box side.

The miners in the peerage Blackhawks.

That should be a really good one.

Yeah.

We're going to head over to Shock Field for a little softball action.

Will be back here at Bear Field for another baseball game later this afternoon.

And then we'll finish up tonight with little more for softball game.

Three more to go for.

Can't wait.

We're excited.

We hope you stick around with this for that.

Should be fun.

But that's going to do it for our baseball program.

The three eight state championships over Ashdown.

Your winners for the partner Westmore and our wonderful crew here at Arkansas PBS sports.

I'm Gabe Brazil signing off.

We'll see you here a little later this afternoon for baseball.

But next up is softball.

Tune in for the for a state title.