On rival.

It is game three of Championship Thursday in Conway.

We got the Marion Patriots taking on the Valley View Blazers for the five AA baseball state championship game.

Welcome into the studio I'm Wes Moore joined by JB Brazil and JB.

These teams are very familiar with being in the championship game.

Both of them have a long list of state titles, but they're also familiar with each other.

Yeah, this is will be the third time that they've played this year.

Valley view did take both games in big fashion.

The bats were out in abundance and you expect them to keep that roll.

And Marion's got their hands full tonight.

And Marion's a team that's gotten a lot better as the season's gone along.

So they're thinking that, look, we're a different team than the first time we've played.

Like I said, these teams are familiar with state championship games.

Valley view was in the state championship game last year.

They knocked off Maumelle five to nothing.

And it was a, a strange championship game because they played that game on a Sunday, a little bit different Sunday baseball for a state championship game.

Here's a look at some of those highlights from last year for, Valley View and Maumelle Valley View.

Of course, one of the top, well, maybe the top player in the state of Arkansas last year, I think maybe all time to one of the one of the greatest, at least in Slade Caldwell.

But they had other guys that contributed.

That was a gantlet of a team and moving the schedule game time did not affect Valley View one bit.

And you can see the plays the Valley View made.

And there's the final out as they celebrate their fourth straight or fourth state title going for their fifth tonight.

All right.

We're not done.

This is just day one.

We got tomorrow three a baseball ash down Genoa Central then softball at 1:00.

Bauxite and Pea Ridge for the for a title.

And then it keeps on rolling for a baseball Brooklyn Harding Academy.

That one's really good one to key in on.

Should be a fun matchup.

And then three a softball in the nightcap.

Mayflower and Harding Academy both Harding Academy teams trying to make a sweep with a podium here tonight for tomorrow.

Excuse me.

Let's go ahead and take a look at some of the players to watch for tonight.

We'll start with the Marion Patriots.

It's Cohen bum ball.

He's going to toe the slab.

He's a guy that's got really really good stuff A sub two E.R.A.

He's already faced value earlier this year.

Went about six innings.

Gave up three earned runs.

But it was his performance last year one hit the Valley View Blazers 11 strikeouts.

He's going to be huge for them tonight.

Let's take a look at Valley View's player to watch drew Gartman is the guy man.

He's a shortstop.

He's got blazing speed.

You look at his batting average for 85.

The OBP got some pop too.

He's a guy that can get on and when he gets on, a wreaks havoc on the basepaths.

Also leads the team with 22 walks.

He gets on base.

Should be great conditions.

We got our fingers crossed.

The weather looks good right now.

Future radar show this storm popping up over Conway in about an hour.

I hope that future radar is wrong, but right now we got 80 degrees.

Feels like 84.

Not much wind.

It is going to be a fantastic game.

We're just getting started.

Stick around for the five state championship game between Valley View and Marion next on Arkansas PBS sports.

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One.

We're back.

Welcome back to Bear Stadium.

We're ready for baseball.

Five eight state title between Merion and Valley View.

I'm Westmore, joined by JB Brazile and Marion.

Patriots will get started first.

Top of the first.

Here's a look at their starting line up.

Brought to you by wind Rock automotive.

Max Malloy, Carson.

Cat Cohen, Bombo.

Bumble, Hudson McEwen.

And we'll see them in the first inning.

And Marian's hoping we'll see a lot more batters in the first inning.

Brody Bird, Ladd, Langley, Robert Hall, Coleman Barnett, and Miles Hope your line up for Marion this afternoon.

I guess technically, it's this evening.

We've reached the 7:00 evening today.

So so long.

It still feels a little bit like the afternoon for me, but we got some shadows over the field, pitchers, mounds in the shadow, and you'll see the ball go through the sunlight.

And then that the batters are all standing in the shadows.

So kind of an odd batters perspective for right now.

Your pitcher for the Valley View Blazers.

We haven't talked too much about Levi Martin right now.

But Levi for the season has thrown 53 and two thirds.

He's ten.

And oh well it's a 1.30 ERA and pretty good choice as your starting pitcher.

You rock solid for Valley View.

He's got really good stuff transferred in from Pocahontas.

He's been a mainstay.

Here you go.

He needs four pitches to get rid of the first batter.

Max Malloy for Marion.

What would you say is his best pitch?

Yeah, he's off speed.

And that's something that's going to be key to looking on here, because Marion struggled sometimes with off speed.

We saw him early against Lake Hamilton and throughout the tournament they can hit the fastball.

You got a guy that mixes his speeds a little bit.

They struggle.

There's a look at the defense for Valley View Martin and his catcher is Keaton Mathis.

Hudson Rogers over on first.

We'll get to the rest of the defensive linemen.

He throws another strike.

So he now thrown five pitches and four strikes.

So great start there for Levi.

And filling up the zone is the name of the game.

And boy off balance you see Carson Kent kind of falling back thinking that ball is going to stay up.

It breaks off.

So you go fastball curveball good luck against Levi Martin.

Yeah.

And if he can throw him both for strikes that's going to be very difficult place to pitch a little bit there on the inside.

Garments at shortstop.

Driscoll over a third year, outfielders King, Taylor and Roach, one two count.

Nice pitch.

Wooden batter.

Looked at it, he thought about it and just kind of spit it out at the last second.

It's so enticing because it bites him.

When you get ahead with that fastball like Martin does.

So a lot of offspeed, it can be problematic.

One finish off a little chopper.

The third tough play, but almost made the three.

Couldn't dig it out at first base.

Throw gets away, but I'm glad you did a great job of backing up the play and the runner can advance.

Yeah, we'll see how they score.

That likely going to be a hit just because of the way he had to come in and make the play, but then slipped.

Did catch after he tried to head towards second base.

I think if he gets good footing doesn't slip he's likely over at second.

Look at the replay with that chopper up.

I just assume the third baseman would be, able to get there and yeah, yeah.

That's tough.

That's a good throw.

Gets him.

But that's a tough play for the third baseman coming in trying to charge the play on the slow roller.

So we got our first runner and now we got our second runner.

Batters hit quickly.

Marion's got a little something going I think that's big because bum ball when he starts on the mound when he hits he doesn't quite have the offensive night.

He starts things off with the hit by pitch.

He's aboard now and Marion's got a little something brewing.

And by the way they did give Kat a single.

They did not rule it in there.

So got our first runners with a single and a hit by pitch.

But Martin is able to do now if he can bear down and try to keep him off the scoreboard here in the first inning.

Hudson McEwan up at the plate now for Marion McEwen, a 289 hitter, 14 RBI, one home run on the season.

That eight doubles and four triples.

He's a guy in that cleanup spot.

Could come in big right here.

Coach Prater talked about how important it was for them to jump out on Martin early.

They got a matchup because they feel like values going to be able to put some bats and string some hits together.

I think a lot of people in the state outside the Marion area kind of think this is a game for Valley View, and why wouldn't you think that?

Because, well, they've been in the finals for so many times.

They've won the title 21, 22, 23, 24, going for a fifth straight title?

Yeah.

You would consider them the favorites because they're the champs to be the champ, you got to beat the champ.

And so that's what Marion is trying to do.

And so anytime you get a chance like this, you got to cash in on the opportunity and try to score some runs.

I think it would be huge for them to score some early runs to get that.

That confidence saw it in the softball game, the first game of the morning.

What with, Taylor.

You know, Taylor just looked a little tight.

And that's the same there.

Kind of the same scenario as Valley View is they've won state championships year after year after year.

But they looked a little tight.

But then they just seemed to relax after that first run.

And then it was just a snowball effect.

One two count and check swing fouls it off.

Well you know here's the deal Wes.

It doesn't seem to matter who it is.

State title games are different, right?

You could be one of the best arms we've seen guys struggle in their first outing in the state title game.

Just trying to get the jitters out of the way.

Martin started great.

But then that error maybe spiraled some things a little bit.

Just trying to regain control and not let this inning get out of hand at all.

And also pitching out of the stretch, you feel a little bit comfortable going with this wind up.

See if he can bury off this batter.

Now McEwan with the hit to the second baseman, bobbles it still gets him at first a little bang bang play but ruled out at first.

Big big play there for Valley View to get that bounce ball and throw it over to first base.

Get the second out and now you're an out away from any run scoring.

I was hit sharply.

Ragsdale kind of played that knocked it down but kept it in front of him.

That's what allowed him to get it.

Boy, it was close.

Bang, bang.

But he got in by a whisker.

I think he got it right.

I think he got him with the naked eye.

I was watching that.

I thought he got him and I. I feel even more confident now that he was able to to get him.

Brody Bird up next.

The first baseman's hitting 314.

He hits a rope down the right field line.

And that's going to be a two run scoring double.

At least both runs have scored.

He's going to hold up at second base.

And what a big clutch hit for Marion in the first inning.

Two outs two runners on and delivers first pitch swinging and pulls it down the line.

Well I love that approach.

If you're Marion and Bird you know he's trying to get ahead.

Comes in over the plate.

Kind of hung one over a little bit and Brody Bird did not miss it.

Pipes this one in the right field corner.

Man that was smoked just down the line.

It's a game of inches.

Doesn't matter a two run double.

And Marion strikes first bird with his ninth double of the year 16 RBI now.

And look he's in scoring position Marion doesn't want to stop right now.

They want to get another run job there by the catcher to to block that Bert ball in the dirt.

Keaton Mathis keeps it in front of him.

Runner has to stay at second now.

Clutches at two out hitting though in games like this you got to have him.

That was that was huge.

Out of your five spot it looked like Valley View might get out of it with two outs.

But a big swing.

Langley looking to add to the lead.

Langley looks at a strike.

They even the count.

Langley hitting 257 on the season.

He's got four doubles.

Gets on base 36% of the time.

Now you talked about it.

Didn't go down as an error.

But man that play from third.

How big is that now.

Martin trying to get out of the inning gets second strike on the foul ball.

Pitch away.

This is a Marion team though.

Don't sleep on their bats I mean they they hit to get here seven five win opening round against Lake Hamilton seven five against Van Buren three two.

Close one against Beebe.

But they're a team that could barrel up the fastball and whenever Martin starts feeling uncomfortable, it comes back to fastball.

Could be trouble.

One two pitch.

Martin gets him swinging to get out of the inning.

I know he wanted that one batter sooner, but he limits the damage to two runs.

Marion jumps out on top.

Two runs, two hits, and we'll go to the bottom of the first Valley View.

Coming up next, you're watching Arkansas PBS sports.

Yeah, we're having some audio issues.

So.

We got something.

So we will see if bum Ball is out of control shortly.

His dad made it seem like you'll find out pretty quick.

They go to Coleman Barnett some.

Spring.

Batting.

Valley view Blazers ready to go to the plate.

And they trailed two to nothing after Marion got two runs in the top of the first inning.

So look at Valley views for Marion.

Starting pitcher right there.

Cohen.

Pumbaa needs to get off to a good start.

He's a strikeout guy.

He's originally committed to play on this field at central Arkansas Decommitted now he's going to Atlanta Wamba Community College to play two ways, both offense and defense.

90 strikeouts, a sub, two ERA if bum balls on or he is tough to hit.

What is Cohen's best pitch?

I think you're going to see it.

His fastball is good locate, but again, kind of like we saw with Martin his off speed.

He's got a he's got a lot of movement.

Sometimes it's a good thing.

Sometimes it's a bad thing when he can't get control of it.

It's too wild.

You get swing a miss, but you also get a lot of walks.

Well, our player to watch for Valley View is going to lead them off.

Drew Gartman, the shortstop, committed and I guess signed with Arkansas State.

We'll see him as a Red Wolf in the future years.

It's going to be big to get him on base because, look at that.

On base percentage at 617.

He gets on base a lot.

There's your lineup brought to you by wooden Rock automotive Gartman Roach, Mathis, Martin, Ragsdale, Taylor, King, Tatum, and Driscoll for the Valley View Blazers.

They would love to see all nine of them play get to bat this inning.

That'd be a good inning.

That'd be a way to bounce back, because you got to punch.

Punch for punch with Marion, they'd strike first.

How is bum ball going to be if you're able to work the count trying to draw that pitch count up, you might see some success, but Garmin's a guy that he's tough to get out.

He really works the plate as a leadoff hitter and we ready to go here in the bottom of the first inning, Marion strikes first with two breaking ball.

Just kind of floated in a little bit high.

Didn't have that sharp break he was looking for.

Comes back with a good fastball.

Some nice movement on that fastball.

Looked like it was a little bit on outside and just came back in a little two seam and that's it.

That's the deal with Bumble on his stuff.

A lot of it moves.

He's tough to square up.

Anytime you get 90 strikeouts and you average about two for an inning, it means you got some movement, know how to pitch, comes back with the same pitch, same type of movement, gets ahead of the hitter.

Drew Gartman I think it's big to get ahead, too, if you're Marion, to get some pressure off your starter in a big game like this.

I mentioned it early.

Gartman has 22 walks on the season to lead the team, so you know, he's got a good eye.

Try the third time with that pitch.

That time sailed a little high on him.

I like the idea.

I think placement was a little off, but in terms of where it ended up, sometimes you can get a swing, a miss up at the eyes, but does want to locate that probably a little bit more down in the way.

Thought he might follow that up with the breaking ball, the high fastball, it just not getting the drop in it right now.

It's just kind of sailing on in me.

Maybe a little jacked up, a little excited to start the game.

And I think we're throwing a little bit.

Full count to the first hitter of the game.

Gartman reaching out.

Fouls it off.

Going to be out of play.

We'll do it again.

That's a good location on that off speed.

He found it.

You see the deep breath from Bumble just trying to settle in that curveball.

I took a lot more off of it to locate.

It was going to be a strike.

At least close enough.

But Gartman does what good leadoff hitters do.

He battles at the plate.

You know, that's the word I was about to use.

Gartman up there.

Battling works the full count, fouls off a pitch, gets to see another a pitch.

And this at bat just pokes it out there.

Short set centerfield, centerfield.

Running in makes a nice catch that'll probably help settle any kind of nerves that Cohen was feeling.

Get that first out of the way and it's a big out with Drew Gartman.

Well, he's a tough out and you get one here.

Kind of got him to reach.

It was a good pitch similar to the one previous.

Just came into center.

Malloy good speed.

Tracks it down and we already talked about it.

Bumble's got the stuff to compete with just about anybody in the state.

It seems when you go 11 strikeouts against a team in Valley View last year, you got good stuff.

There's a look at the wind Rock automotive defense.

We saw Malloy Hall to his left, McEwen to his right, Ryan Cook is the catcher.

Bird, whole cat and Barnett in the infield.

One oh, pitch is a little perfect.

Little delay.

Call.

There.

I was going to call it a little low, maybe a little inside.

And it was just a little late.

Even count.

Well, that's another good pitch right there on the outside.

Weak ball to the shortstop.

And I talked about a little speed there from Owen Roach the right fielder beats the throw.

Little weak contact.

But hey speed kills gets on flashing with some speed down the line.

Anytime you can get down quick like that head down.

Hustling makes it tough.

Puts pressure on that shortstop.

Got a good throw, but just not in time.

He did a little shuffle there and it probably cost him.

Yeah.

And instead of just getting it and firing it right away now I don't know if he couldn't get a grip on the ball or what it was, but he kind of shuffled his feet a couple of times, and by the time he fired it over, there was too late.

So Valley View with a runner on first, a little bit low, maybe a little bit outside, didn't get the call.

Keaton Mathis up for Valley View 404, one of their better hitters in that three spot.

Ten doubles on the year, three triples, got a couple of home runs, 37 RBI.

He's looking to get a big one out here and one out hit here.

Runner takes off for second.

Going to make it easily.

Roach no problem.

There I don't think a good throw would have gotten him.

He picked a great pitch to go on to Bender outside and away.

Good jump to jump and then throw was just a little off line and I think your catcher there was trying to make up for it a little bit.

Knew he had to get it out quickly.

It's gonna be a long throw from cook and he just couldn't get it there.

So Roach with the stolen base he's in scoring position.

Matthews looking to drive him in.

Going throws it a little bit outside.

Not A30 count right now.

And Valley View sitting pretty.

And this is a situation.

Not saying you want to do this with first base open.

You don't have to come in.

You double play can always put in effect always helps a pitcher.

But you don't want to just give it away either.

Try to pickoff, move.

Back easily.

Roach no problem there.

You know these teams know each other quite well.

Marian's coach Prater.

He coached Josh Allison, head coach for Valley View back in the day.

So there's some connections there.

There's many more we'll get to.

But a lot of these guys know each other.

And so, you know, either side really wants to beat the other one.

When you're conference foes and you're playing every year, you basically grow up playing every single year and you get to know the other players.

And so yeah, they are very familiar with each other.

I'll give you some connections throughout the broadcast when certain players come up, I think it's interesting and we'll key in on it a little bit.

Boom ball gets a strike over, avoids walking Mathis on four pitches.

Mathis turns on the inside pitch, knocks it foul.

I've got a full count now I like to that movement because it's got a little two seam tail to it from bum ball.

He hasn't thrown inside yet.

A lot of times pitchers stay away from that in games they don't have complete control because you don't want to hit a batter.

Well three one if you lose him, you lose him.

He's going to be on anyway.

I like that approach to come inside.

He does have a lot of movement on that two seamer.

It's been, very impressive to watch it tail in.

Pop up in the infield should be caught.

Third baseman calls it, and Barnett takes care of it for the second out.

Big hit right there.

A big to get that hitter for a bum ball.

Well, that fastball, the juice.

The late life I think is what makes it tough.

Because you think you get a chance to square it up.

It was already elevated.

He just couldn't get it underneath, underneath it enough to go on top of it and got underneath, popped it up, just couldn't catch up to it.

Got a little pitcher versus pitcher.

We've, Martin at the plate hitting in the four hole.

It's got a 310 average.

Three home runs on the year, 25 RBI.

Got a chance and knock in a run here.

Help himself a little bit right.

That's right.

All pitchers like to do that well brings a little pressure off too.

And they get to bat.

I think sometimes it settles them in for that next inning when they go back on the mound.

And if you've had a what you consider a bad inning and get your mind off in there when you're thinking about hitting and just kind of reset things for you after you get through hitting a game like this, it's so big too, right?

State title game.

Flush it.

Get your mind off things.

Just take it one pitch at a time.

Martin ready to swing on that one.

Got a pitch that he like and let it rip.

I think it's, it's clear with bum ball his fastballs where he's found a lot more control.

He's kind of leaning on that.

There's nothing wrong with that.

But you go, you know, a second time through the lineup, if he doesn't have that offspeed figured out, valve is going to time that up.

I'll just ride that fastball for now until you can find that breaking pitch.

Absolutely.

That was a pretty good break, right.

Thank you man.

Tell you what.

That was a perfect time to pull that out and to find it.

I think he heard us up here.

He said okay.

You want to see the curveball?

Here it is.

That was a beautiful bender.

Just falls right off the table.

Good luck.

After you seen fastball.

Plenty of way out in front to tell you what, even if he didn't swing at it, that was a strike.

Yeah, it was a good pitch.

Try to come back with it.

Here's the deal.

West and any no matter who you are, if you got plus stuff with your velo, it doesn't matter if you mix your pitches well and you can locate have enough movement on it, you're going to have success.

Bottom line.

Martin has A22 pitch bum ball trying to get out of the inning.

Two out hit was big for Marion.

Can Valley View respond?

Try the breaking ball for a third straight time.

Here's where it gets interesting.

If you're Martin you've seen three straight curveballs.

Now to run it three and two.

One was a swing and miss right.

But the next two have been off and down.

Do you sit fastball here.

You have a chance to think he might be trying to locate driving a run here.

Bum ball is looking in the dugout shaking his head.

No no no no no no no.

He's trying to tell him what he wants to pitch, see what he was.

One had his mindset on it was one to do the breaking ball again.

Do it four times in a row.

Can't get the curve over.

That's a walk.

Runners on first and second.

Two outs.

How impressive though for Martin.

The swing and miss once on that curveball.

And then stay in there and take so many without chasing.

We got a good look at the first one and maybe it helped him recognize it.

Yeah, the second, third and fourth time.

Looks like they're getting a pitch runner for their pitcher.

Martin came into the dugout and gets a call.

Send somebody else out on the first base.

Maybe not.

Oh, I think he's just getting his glove.

I saw somebody running across the diamond and I thought Martin left the game.

No.

He did.

That's Becker.

Becker came into the pitcher on for him.

That makes sense.

I thought that was what they were doing.

First pitch is a ball.

So Valley View got a chance to do it.

Marion did a little two out rally.

Big clutch hit.

You got two outs after Gumball has gotten a couple of pop outs and a fly out chance to get at least one here.

You just want to keep some pressure on him regardless and raise that pitch count if you're valid, you bomb balls thrown three straight balls needs to find the strike zone.

Oh, base hit right in the hole between short and third, and that's good enough to score.

Run Valley View on the board.

Hit it in between the shortstop and the third baseman.

Cat was trying to make a big backhand play.

I don't think he would have had a play at first, but he could have maybe held that runner at third.

He's able to come up with it just see, it's just out of his reach, goes under his glove by then.

You know the runner at second is going to score easily.

So a big two out hit by Noah Ragsdale, second baseman picks up his 32nd RBI of the season.

And now Valley View has a chance to, tie it up or take the lead with an extra base hit.

Good things happen when you put the ball in play.

Was that's the play?

Yeah.

Maybe you get the lead down at third.

Maybe you keep it in front of you.

Nobody scores.

But nonetheless it gets under the glove because you put the ball in play and you drive in a run, you need at least one to kind of feel like you're bouncing back a little bit.

Now you got two chances.

You said to take the lead.

Taylor up.

Now the center fielder is hitting 310.

He's got five doubles on the year, four triples, three home runs.

He's got 34 RBI from that six spot.

Shows me he's been a clutch hitter throughout the season for Valley View.

And Bumble and Jay Taylor know each other.

Their fathers know each other as well.

Tim Bumble and Shane Taylor.

Shane Taylor coming on to post Tim Bumble Ball post about son.

Come cheer for Mary and root him on.

And he typed in there and he said, I wish you no luck in this championship game.

A little fun camaraderie between the two parents.

Taylor with two on looking to tie this thing up.

Maybe take the lead.

Fouls it off.

Taylor strong looking build, athletic center fielder.

We saw him make a nice play in the first inning.

Got a good read on the ball.

Came charging in made the catch.

Could have been a tough play but he made it look easy.

Down in the count.

Wants to battle here.

Got him with the breaking ball.

Look at the curve.

Throw him a couple fastballs.

Came back with the curve and got him.

Strands a couple of runners.

Marion keeps their lead.

It's 2 to 1.

As we head to the second inning.

Stick around.

It's the five AA state championship game on Arkansas PBS sports.

Oh, everything I'm looking at is wrong with Wendy's.

First of all, he's not giving me the bad.

Yeah, I'm not sure.

Yeah, we got bottom of the second.

Our graphics are wrong.

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

I focus on what?

Where we are.

What?

You know, top of the third.

What 45 back.

We're going to have a Wendy's.

I want to say Wendy's.

We were having some audio issues.

We were scared.

You guys were going out live over the over the break.

That wasn't happening.

Okay.

Good.

That's great to hear.

Tell me that story.

I'm a god.

I hope they didn't win over the air.

Ten back.

Five.

To.

Go, Arkansas.

PBS sports is supported by Wendy's.

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We're going to the top of the second inning.

We had, some action there in the first.

Mary with a couple of runs.

Big two out hit for the Patriots.

Valley view.

Blazers respond with their own big hit.

So 2 to 1 after one.

I think this game has got one of those chances to kind of be punch for punch, and it's the team that kind of can punch the hardest and keep rolling with that.

I mean, offense is what the name of the game is going to come down to the pitcher, settle in.

Mary, trying to get somebody on base to start this inning.

Little tapper tough play.

Look at the third baseman come charging in.

Nice play.

Got him a first first baseman.

Did a good job of bringing it in.

And he put the bat on ball trying to kind of apply some pressure on that slow roller.

But you're right.

My third baseman has been making nice plays early in.

This will get a lot of action is Driscoll.

And so far he's he's made the most of his opportunities.

Did have that one play early.

They wish he had back and good job by Rogers to pitch will take this some himself there over to first gets it.

So a couple quick outs.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Sure.

Levi Martin happy with that and just wanted that one a little bit too close right up the middle towards the pitcher.

If you go a little bit more no man's land on the left side.

Got a better chance to beat that out.

Got him by half a step.

Another ground ball.

Tough play.

Got to be quick.

Bang, bang.

Got him.

How about the quick hands out of the glove shovel to the first baseman.

And just like that, Valley View is back in the dugout.

One, two, three.

I mean pitches five, five pitches in the inning, maybe six.

Let's go back and look.

Got the job done.

Stick around.

Bottom of the second Valley View.

Coming up next on Arkansas PBS sports.

Highlights okay.

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Look at that.

Got our camera guys all set up.

My camera gotta be down to low shooting through the fence.

They got us up high so we get some great shots here at Bear Stadium.

All right.

The bottom of the lineup coming up for Valley View.

We got Parker King Matt and Tatum and Cannon Driscoll King left fielder in 357 on the season.

Got about three doubles not about.

He does have three doubles.

King, also a pitcher for Stone 22 innings this season.

It's a ball to coach.

Said.

He's about as fast as Drew Garman, didn't he didn't start until about three weeks ago.

But ever since he's been in the lineup, he's produced out of that seven spot.

He's looking to get on base in a favorable count right now.

May have swung a ball three.

Could have been a little high, but he's ready to go.

He's ready to hit.

You like the aggression but you're right.

That's probably ball three.

Bum ball will take the gift and try to do something with it.

But still a hitter's count.

If you're king, you just don't want to chase.

Dumba almost hits.

He gets out of the way.

He gets a three ball count.

Not much wind right now.

Flag out in center field, just kind of drooping around.

Absolutely perfect night for baseball.

Man couldn't lay off of it.

Goes around three two.

Count count for.

And he totally fought him with that pitch.

And it was well located who'd been borderline either way.

Came back with it, tried to check his swing and accidentally fouled it off.

I mean, that movement.

I'm telling you on that bender, it's hard to pick up in the velo.

So different.

If he places it like he has been.

Just got to control the fastball a little bit earlier in the count.

Goes back to the high, flat fastball and got him.

King goes down swinging.

Man that's some good stuff from Cohen.

Bum ball.

He fell.

He fell behind it three oh comes back gets two.

Curveball strike it in up and in with the cheddar.

High cheese the swing and a miss.

Well he's tunneling it two because he's throwing that curveball.

And it starts out kind of high.

And it looks like another curveball coming.

That's right.

No dip this time.

I think a nice little cut to it.

Swing a miss Madden tied them up.

Designated hitter watches the first one sail wide.

Tatum in 271 on the year.

He's got six doubles from that left side.

He's committed to Jacksonville State.

Yeah coach Allison said this guy's got some legit power.

Might have the most power in the park.

And he said he's a guy.

Yeah, sure.

Maybe struggles at times.

A string consistency.

But in terms of raw power, there's a reason Jacksonville State's wanted to come to campus.

One one count.

So a bomb ball throw.

Another good curveball.

That one well placed on the outside corner.

You know it's interesting.

Early in the game his fastball was located.

Struggle with the offspeed.

Now he's locating curveball but his fastball is kind of getting away.

Good.

Look at Josh Allison inside pitch.

At Josh Allison we mentioned he played for coach Pete Prater over the Marion dugout.

Played underneath him a lot of connections between these two schools.

But what Allison's done over the time he's been at Valley View.

It's it's remarkable.

Incredible.

So I'm coaching King up after his at bat and he's over there talking to him a little bit, preparing for the next at bat in ninth finals for Valley View, fifth in a row.

They got four titles.

Fouled away the other way a little late on it.

Their titles came in 0809, 21, 22 what, 24 came on, right?

That's right.

24 beat Maumelle last year.

Couldn't lay off the high one.

May have been ball three right there but he fouls it away.

You know I think that's what's impressive though with bun ball is it's just tough to pick up his stuff.

He gets a lot of swing and miss and off balance.

Still weird time in the night.

You see the pitcher in the batter who tows it behind him.

He it stayed where he was.

He got plunked in the legs.

He gets out of the way.

But, what I was saying, the mound in the batter's box is it's in the shade, but the batter's I in center field.

It's in the sun.

So it's still kind of an awkward situation here.

Right before the sun sets.

It makes it difficult.

It really does.

Full count to Tatum.

Keeps fouling them off.

Battling up there.

I mean here's the deal.

You come in your eight spot and you're battling like this getting that pitch count.

Even if it doesn't work in your favor.

You've worked the count up on Bumble.

It's still a plus at bat.

I got about 42 pitches right now.

42.

That's 43.

And the walk draws a walk.

Great at bat there for Madden Madden.

Tatum it really was fouled off a couple of pitches that were going to be close strikeout pitches.

Quite frankly a lot of guys swinging this at that.

But his bat speed getting to the barrel.

Tatum able to foul it off.

And hey try to start a little rally two perhaps big third baseman Cannon Driscoll up next for Valley View.

And you have one that can went behind him.

That could be a little unsettling when you have a pitch goes behind you and kept hanging in there.

So it's high little wild.

Ball out of the stretch.

Now.

Tatum over at first decently lead going to throw over there.

Make sure he's not going anywhere.

Easily back into first.

You know Coach Allison's message to these guys is always keep them loose.

They came down early last night and then today they watched a movie.

What are the movie theaters?

What's the last rodeo?

I talked to coach, and it was a great movie.

Just trying to keep their mind off of things to be loose for the game.

That's funny that that last rodeo has been the advertisement for.

It has been all over my Twitter feed for some reason.

And so finally I was like, after seeing it so many times, I clicked on it and watch the trailer and, it looked all right.

So the old retired cowboy hung it up, got hurt riding bulls and he has to come out of retirement because his grandson needs this expensive surgery.

So he's got to ride in the big competition, try to win it, make some money to help his grandson get the.

So an inspirational type movie, you know, and, I think it's the, the same production company that's done the like, God's not dead.

God's right.

Yeah.

That part, you know, they filmed in little Rock in Arkansas, and it's also some of the same folks that did the sports movie.

Great.

That's right.

Greater.

So I think it's the same production company.

It's one of those inspirational type movies.

So maybe we'll see if it inspired Valley View.

Well, Coach Allison, I won't give any spoilers, but he basically told me how it all went.

You gave it right?

What?

He he must win, right?

He's got it was his.

There's no way he comes out of retirement, save his grandson in the falls, gets bucked off.

It doesn't make any money.

Maybe he does.

And the winner donates the money.

Well, I will say the cause.

It's probably better than the planet of the apes.

That's what they watched last year.

He said we're not doing that again.

How'd it go last year?

I have nothing.

Yeah, you're right.

Fouls it off of his hands.

That ball going to be in play.

Third baseman has it.

Runner got caught off first base.

Double play I think he thought there were two outs.

He lost track of the outs and was off and running.

And by the time he figured it out, it was too late.

Costly mistake for Valley View Marion gets out of the inning still with the lead.

It's 2 to 1 as we go to the third.

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You.

Too.

Well, you know what time it is.

It's trivia time.

Everybody loves trivia, right?

So the question is, be thinking about this.

No cheating.

Who holds the record for most state tournament appearances in state history?

I'll give you a little hint.

It is a team that competes in the five eight.

Well, my guess, and it's truly a guess.

I have no clue.

I have not looked at the answer.

I'm just guessing Pine Bluff because they have so many titles.

I got to think they've been there so many times that they've got to be up there.

I like that, yeah, we'll give you the answer in the bottom of the third, but that's a good guess.

Thank you.

Just to, I would even say an educated guess.

Just a guess.

Just a just a guess.

All right.

Getting set for the, top of the third.

Marion coming back up to the plate, trying to build on their 2 to 1 lead.

They've got a lot of appearances.

Speaking of eight appearances in the finals, you know, it's crazy to me.

Eight appearances, seven today.

You know what that tells me they've never lost.

Oh that's right, seven titles eight appearances.

So they're trying to make it a perfect eight for eight.

It's my you looking at me funny for valve.

You know for Marion.

Marion.

I forgot they made it the championship three time.

This will be their third.

They won it once.

Marion I got eight of eight appearances.

Seven titles, eight, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23.

That just write that down.

Completely wrong.

Have I lost my mind?

That's what happens when you do all these games.

Yeah I did, I wrote that down.

So disregard anything I said about Marion's appearances.

Well, I'm sure they'd love to have that kind of success.

1412 and 22 they were in the state championship game one, state title 22.

Now.

Yes, there's a hit out to, right center field that's going to find almost finds a gap, but it finds the grass and lead off hitter for Marion.

Not I know I'm all, I want to go back and look at my notes.

Where did I get that?

Eight appearances in the final seven titles.

You look at this sheet and compare my notes.

Maybe it's the semifinals.

No, I have no idea where I got that information.

Is there a different Marion?

Not in Arkansas.

That's.

No, I'm just, you know.

Yeah.

We get all these great notes.

You know, the week leading up, I want to thank the coaches and all the support staff, the send us the batting averages, the line ups.

Good block there at the plate by, Keaton Mathis.

And, you know, you just start crunching all these numbers, preparing for the title game.

And it's so beneficial to having these numbers.

But I have no idea where I, got that, missing.

That's the other trivia question, right?

Who wants that?

If you can tell me who's who has seven titles and been there eight times, throw behind at first base.

Can't get him there.

Well, maybe I can look over here and see who has seven titles that eight and 13.

Maybe I was on the wrong line.

Nope.

I don't know, was fortunate.

I think I threw all my, notes that I got away once.

I, put them on my game sheet for everybody.

One more runner on first, floats a little bit high, works into a hitter's count.

Martin trying to, limit the damage.

Doesn't want Mary getting anything else on base.

Showed the bunt, pulled it back.

Gets another ball called 31.

Well, zone's consistent.

It's tough.

It sometimes can favor a hitter in these circumstances.

So you got to locate.

Well but he's been consistent home plate.

Our umpire Ian Hewitt.

Show born again and got the walk.

So we got a little something going for Marion.

They are fired up first to reach base.

Mathis goes out to talk to, Martin a little bit, try to settle him down.

So here's the deal.

Every time you know a pitcher catcher would go meet or the coach would come out and talk.

A lot of times you're gonna see a fastball right out the gate.

If I'm a hitter, I sit on that.

If it's where I want it to be, try to drive it.

We'll see.

If Marion elects to be aggressive after he struggled a little bit, though.

Right.

We're going to have a mound visit.

With Berger.

Goes out, talks to his young pitcher, trying to settle him down.

You know, this is a big moment right now.

I trail by Ron don't want to get, you know, get too far ahead.

There's a look at Coach Prater, all kinds of connections between him.

And now, you know he lives in Jonesboro, real close to value.

His daughter goes to Valley View and actually dates Will Finley, who we might see in the game for Valley View.

So he said if we win, he's not allowed at my house anymore.

All jokes aside, naturally, but great, you know, great coach for for Marion and actually played at Missouri State for coach Keith got and got drafted in the seventh round by the Giants.

He knows baseball.

Obviously he's got the program rolling up at Valley View.

Married in business.

Runners on first and second.

Nobody out looking to Bonham over to second.

Third.

Get them both into scoring position.

Stabs at it goes foul.

This is a guy in boom ball that's going to it'll Wombo community College is a two way guy.

We see the pitching, but he wants to hit two.

They're going to give him the opportunity to do that surprise a little bit.

See Cohen boom ball your three hole here.

Now what are your better hitters Bunning.

They're leads the team in RBIs I think it's one of those play small ball.

Hope you're pitching.

Can go but I'm with you I'm a swing away kind of guy I'm aggressive mindset though I'm a little different showing by how he pulls it back goes swing and goes opposite field gets another base hit right fielder two it.

They're gonna hold the runner 30 fell down gets back up gets safely into third.

Probably could think they held him because he slipped I don't know if he slipped what he was trying to stop.

But I just looked over there and he was down on the ground scrambling to get back up.

Here he is.

He's ready to throw.

He sees a stop sign and tries to put on the brakes.

That's when the feet go out from underneath him.

Is Marion in business?

Got the bases loaded.

Nobody out.

Clean up.

Hitter up.

Hudson McEwen looking to add to their lead.

How about the piece of hitting from Bumble on that curveball going opposite field?

Roach got to show his right field arm.

This is a big moment for Marion.

Martin's going to have to bear down I remember show bunt pull back the bunt.

Slapped it the other way.

That was impressive with the pinch.

On ball starts him out with an outside breaking ball.

See McEwen grounded out his first time at bat.

Takes one on the outside corner.

Got a good look at it.

Didn't like it.

Held off.

Here the fans they're all excited about this.

This is a big moment for Marion.

Top pitch.

That's a pitcher's pitch right there.

Dropping down down dropping low.

Took a fastball.

Might have been just a little bit of a change type.

Velocity falls down swings right over the top.

Now as a pitcher you feel a little more confident.

Levi Martin going to try to get a big out right here.

McEwen facing A12 count goes the other way with it McEwen gets it into right field.

Here come more Patriots one run scores.

Here comes a second.

Throws two away cut off first and third for one Marion wearing out the opposite side right now.

Man I'm loving that approach for McEwen.

You got a two strike.

You don't want a lot of coaches say protect I say I attack bigger.

That's what you want.

It's a bigger zone.

Now attack it.

And boy did he opposite field went with the pinch clutch hitting.

And Marion's not done yet.

Still nobody out a two run single.

They're up three.

Patriot fans excited.

Look at him.

They feel it right now Brody Bird up first baseman.

We got time out.

I know exactly who called that timeout, but maybe they were coming out to talk to the pitcher.

But no, they're staying there.

Here we go.

We're ready for play.

First and third.

Nobody out Brody Byrd, the lefty down in the dirt.

Good snack.

Got it on the bounce.

It was a nice step to saved a run right there.

And on top of it just keeping it in front of the runner at first two which could be big.

Keeps the double play in order with corners in.

Birds got 13 extra base hits this year, eight doubles, four triples, a home run, 14 RBI.

Looking for some contact in the 15th?

That one's popped up.

That's left field.

Think it's deep enough?

Here's the play a throw a tag.

No.

He fake the tag ball got away.

Could have gone.

He could have scored.

Throw was way off line.

He faked it.

Took a couple steps and just stopped.

I thought it was deep enough.

Honestly, I thought it was deep enough for him to try to score.

I think there was some miscommunication.

He was looking at third base.

Coach kind of hands it with you sending me.

Wasn't sure.

Maybe there was a hold up, a little bit of miscommunication perhaps.

Well, how about the runner on first he tag?

Yeah.

Or did he get away on the throw?

I don't know, it was heads up play by the runner on first.

He's over on second.

Yeah.

He was tagging looking.

He was watching the throw and it was off line.

He's like I'll just take my extra base.

So heads up play there for was that McHugh.

And over on base.

Yeah.

So now runners on second and third.

Just one out.

Oh he was on that pitch.

He was fouled it off.

Anytime you see one go straight back almost the same plane your eyes get big.

He's saying boy he just missed it lad.

Langley up now.

He struck out his first at bat.

Ducked the bat.

The little pink bat.

Pink batting gloves pink elbow guard.

I've got two daughters and a I'm the only man in the house.

So there's a lot of pink in my house, and there's a lot of pink in the wardrobe.

Those ties seems like every time I get a tie, it's got some pique in it.

So yes, I'm good with the pink.

You bring up the pink shoes one day, right?

I haven't done that yet.

But a days coming.

I'm sure.

Langley gets out of the way.

Evens the count.

I think it's one one right now.

1212, one two.

This is a big moment because Martin wants to get it out.

If he gets two outs, you feel a lot better after Marion.

Feels like they should have gotten a run.

This is a big at bat for Langley Oh, that was close.

Thought he might pull the trigger on that.

It was.

His outside catcher was set up outside.

You look at it and watch the play.

He threw it right to his catcher, but the catcher set up well outside.

It's a close take.

Mathis this time, staying closer to the plate.

Came with the curveball again.

Stayed up a little high.

Worked the count.

Got it for.

You.

Martin kind of steps off the mound trying to gather himself.

He knows this is a big pitch.

Full count.

One out wants to get a strike out here.

Levi Martin gets it.

Bottom of the zone.

Comes in at the knees and gets exactly what he needed.

Man.

Well located.

Busted fastball.

You see a good angle right here.

Just got to be right around the knees.

It was a low portion, but just enough.

Too close to take.

There's no question.

I'll tell you what.

Over the left knee.

His front knee.

It was right at the knee.

The back knee.

It was a little low.

That's how much tilt, downward tilt he had on that fastball.

It was going down.

It's a it's a 5050 call.

You got to be swinging with two strikes two outs and a fly ball to right field.

This court gets out of the inning.

That was huge.

You're facing A32 count with one outs runners on second and third.

You get the strikeout.

Next pitch.

Fly ball.

Valley view gets out.

Only two runs scored by Mary Marion.

I'll take it though.

They lead 4 to 1 as we head to the bottom of the third.

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We're back.

Well, we promised you an answer to this trivia question in a while.

I'll say is a great guess.

Was incorrect.

Bluff was a good guess.

It's actually Sylvan Hills 53 state tournament appearances.

That's unreal.

That is awesome.

How about that way?

Did Go Bears?

Who's number two on the list?

Pine bluff?

I would have to.

Yeah.

I mean, because you said that we'll have to go with it right?

All right.

Here comes Valley View Blazers in a little bit of a whole 4 to 1 third inning.

Still got time.

No.

No need to panic there.

Sure like to start clawing back in this thing.

Just a run here.

Run there.

Wait for that big inning and chew up this Marion lead.

You see that pitch right there?

Similar to what we saw, Levi Martin, he kind of likes that lower zone.

Does our home plate umpire, Ian Hewitt.

So that's an adjustment.

Pitcher's got to make bomb ball.

Good pitch for the first.

That's another good one.

Didn't get to call that time I think he would have liked it.

Maybe he's got a little bit of frame job from cook.

He might have gotten one, but he kind of folded his hands inward.

Another good one breaking ball and just gets a piece of it.

Hits it over the shortstop.

Nice single.

Blazers got a little something starting.

That's, one of the reason why Gartman is going to play college ball.

That's a good, good bit of hitting.

Well, he's going to remind you of speed wise of Floyd Caldwell.

He's got a 6360.

You heard me right 6.36.

He does gartman.

When he gets on he puts pressure on a pitcher because likely he's going.

It's hard to throw him out.

An open rate Roach up to the bat.

He was the Slade protector from last year.

For Caldwell this is the part of the lineup.

Now if you can really get some run production Gartman going to be going forward.

I would guess at some point in this at bats, you think he's going to go at least put pressure?

He's so hard to get out?

Well, I hate giving up outs when you trail and sacrificing him over when you got a guy like that, give him a chance.

Let's see if he can go.

Not a huge lead off right now.

Slowing things down.

Not going well outside.

Ball.

Try to do it.

Look like he sped up a little bit.

His delivery was.

He tried to with the runner on first a little quicker to the plate.

That's what Gartman can do right now.

In the back of your mind.

You got to get there maybe a little quicker.

Just change things up a little bit.

Struggle in the zone.

Was going.

Easy.

It's a two for two now.

Yeah well it was Roach earlier but.

But it was roach earlier.

You're right.

That's right.

Roach made it early.

I was thinking it was gartman I mean I was I no matter who was that.

You get there quickly.

He just got so much speed.

If you're Bobo, maybe you're saying, okay, well, at least I don't have to worry about it first.

Now, let me just bear down and throw the roach.

Because, man, Gartman is fast.

Make sure you.

Little static two oh, count Gartman on second after stealing first or stealing after a single.

Make it A30 count.

One about trying to settle down.

Let's go.

With this one in there, you hopefully could hear the Blazers fans.

They're whooping and all.

They're trying to put a little pressure on Bowen Ball.

Trying to get a rally.

Getting behind their Blazers.

And here's the deal with Bumble.

He's kind of a wildly effective guy.

Got some control but also at times gets a little wild and gets swinging.

This stuff.

He just battles.

That's what I'm saying.

We got a pinch hitter in right now.

Didn't didn't catch that at first.

That was a black pinch hitting.

I saw the number six and I was like that.

That's not roach.

That's something someone's a little different.

So we're in a little something here.

And it worked back.

Black got to pinch hitting that was black draws the walk.

So we got runners on first and second.

Nobody out.

There's a look at your umpires today Ian Hewitt Tim Bowser Dylan Parnell.

To be a good baseball player back in the day.

Can't criticize them right now.

They've done everything right.

My opinion.

Good job guys.

We went inside.

Curveball doesn't hit.

You know we've really seen both pitchers find a little bit of adversity.

Levi Martin last inning for sure.

Got out of it with a couple runs coming across.

Could have been worse.

But now Bumble's facing a little adversity as well.

Let's see how he handles it.

Keaton Mathis up now.

The catcher for another ball.

So a leadoff single stolen base walk and now A20 count.

And I'm taking all the way for Mathis.

Unless it's right where I want fastball middle in.

But right now bum ball.

You want to work the count too.

So that's in the back of your mind.

Also, I been able to locate his breaking stuff for this inning.

I got to get back to that fastball.

But.

And I know Bellevue wants to swing away, but you got to throw some strikes, and then he comes with the fastball.

Third baseman can't make the play.

Gets in the left field.

Runners coming home.

He scores without the throw for two runners on first and second.

That's the danger.

You can't throw your breaking stuff over than they know exactly what I was thinking.

He's got to throw a fastball.

He's sitting on the fastball, ropes it past the third base, but just out of his reach to his left.

Gartman comes in and scores easily.

It's a great approach for Mathis.

It's two oh, you're taking unless it's right where you want it.

And guess what?

That was right down Bruce Street.

Smoked it through the sixth hole.

So good.

And we got runners on first and second.

Nobody out.

Still for Valley View.

Talked about chipping away.

Chipping away.

Well they got their chip.

They're looking for something bigger now.

Another pinch runner coming in for Valley View running at first base Brody Freeman.

You go locates that one.

Again it starts with that fastball and curveball.

He's he's at times got them both located.

But it seems like more often than not it's the curveball.

It's working then.

Not the fastb The catcher setting up on the outside of the plate, that's where he throws it.

But good block from cook.

Bender.

You can bury it.

Boom.

I'll probably let that one go a little bit further away than he wanted once to make that a little bit more enticing.

But cook keeping that in front, that's a nice block.

Let's go.

Levi Martin.

Could give himself the lead or tied up with the extra base hit.

Martin's got three home runs.

Thought about it and let it go.

By got the call and the high breaking ball.

Yeah, he's got a battle.

Martin hitting 310 on the year.

He's got 25 RBI chance to, help his cause this.

Good.

One two pitch right there.

I like that because, again, you can trust your catcher cook.

He's been in a nice job of keeping things in front.

Get swing and miss.

First base is occupied, so you get the out.

I like that, but Martin and these Valley view hitters have been patient.

They really have not helped out a ton.

The swing and miss stuff have been on strikes, it seems going boom ball up to 63 pitches.

We're just in the bottom of the third.

Ragsdale I'm sorry.

Mark Martin battling hits it the other way.

Foul.

Noel Ragsdale is in the on deck circle ready to go.

Hoping bases well.

He's hoping the bases are empty after a three run home run, but he may be privately hoping he can get up there with the bases loaded.

He'll take any opportunity with runners report.

I guarantee you.

Second baseman trying to hold the runner at second and backing away.

Now.

Outfield shaded over to the right a little bit.

Blazers fans into it right now.

I hear chanting.

Can hear him loud and clear.

Second baseman creeping closer to second.

Now he's backing off, ready to pitch.

Bomb ball.

Trying to get out of this at bat.

Throws a beautiful pitch on the outside corner.

Didn't get the call.

Oh he wanted that one.

You can see.

Oh that was close I think it was right there.

I think it was outside.

Man that's a pretty pitch.

How about the take too close take maybe.

I mean could have been follows.

Could have been fallen.

Could pull.

That's right, that's right.

Martin works the count.

Full big pitch here.

Going needs a strike out.

To.

Couldn't get it laid off the curveball.

Bases loaded.

Ball!

Look down his hands.

He bit on his nails, a bit on his finger.

I was worried the first thing I thought was blister, but hopefully not.

And hopefully nothing seems to be all right.

Although they're going to go to the mound and talk about it if they decide to take it, you make a pitching change.

What do you think is the option for Marion if they decide calling bum balls had enough?

Well, they've got a couple of different options to look at.

Guy they threw a little bit earlier in the game.

Numbers wise, Coleman Barnett's the second most innings on the team.

You got to think I'm going to coach.

That's likely who they're going to go with, he said.

It's going to be situational.

But Barnett likely going to be the guy.

You can also see Ben Bateman, Max Malloy, center fielder, can throw, but my guess is going to be Barnett.

Now that making the change for now I know stay as is.

I'm just talking settling down a little bit.

I think this guy's got D-1 talent.

He committed, played Division one baseball.

He he's got good stuff.

But right now it's command and give Bellevue credit to.

They've not helped him out a ton.

They've made it hard for him.

But not swinging it pitches out of the zone.

Good.

Look at the bases full Noah Ragsdale up second baseman hitting 343.

He's got 31 RBI.

It's looks like it's third on the team.

You ever heard of a Ragsdale in the Texas Rangers organization?

Base coach yeah.

Little relation there for Noah Ragsdale.

It's his uncle okay, nice.

A little bit of trivia right there.

Ragsdale with the one oh count, you get two of.

One ball.

Looking for a little something went when offspeed came back with the fastball.

Just can't locate anything right now.

Ragsdale.

One for one on the day.

He did have an RBI single.

He's looking to add to his total.

Got a pitch you like?

Couldn't come up with it.

Threw it past.

That's a good velo from bum ball.

But two oh count digging in.

That's a hitter's count.

He got a big swing.

Ragsdale did not get cheated.

But when you're struggling to locate, a lot of times, you know heater might be coming.

Well, I like where Bumble put it.

That was right at the knees.

Did it again, but took it right up the middle.

One run is going to score.

They're bringing home a second run.

Throw to the plate.

Cut off two run score.

Runners advance to second and third.

We got a tie game.

Valley view three runs in the inning.

Man, what a swing for Ragsdale.

He missed it.

One pitch.

Previous one.

Maybe bum ball went back to the well one time.

Too many.

And Ragsdale pipes it right back through the box to tie this game up.

Just rips it right back up the middle.

And play from the center fielder.

Got to the ball quickly, but thrown home was a little off.

So they tried to cut it.

Couldn't cut.

It went all the way to the catcher.

But that allowed the runner on first to go all the way to second.

And although they've tied it up with three runs in this inning, they're not done.

They got runners on second and third.

Looking for more.

Taylor saw high pitch and know what he was thinking.

You know, a fly ball probably scores another run gives us the lead.

I got that high one.

Let's hit one out in the outfield.

He's a as part of the title team last year.

So he's been around the program.

Got good arm out there in the outfield.

Good bat to.

Taylor hitting 310 on the year five doubles four triples three home runs.

34 RBI.

Not bad.

From that six over two he goes down and three pitches.

What bump ball it took advantage of maybe his aggressiveness there.

And boom ball got him 123.

Well first time today we've seen you get that aggressive and help him out perhaps a little bit.

And you're right I think that's a great way he leverages that count in his favor.

And boom ball one.

It needed that strikeout and he got it.

Corner infielders are playing in first and third are up in kind of tight up the middle.

They're playing medium deep not all the way deep but they're not in on the infield.

As four straight strikes make it five.

But that one's hit out in the left field.

It finds itself down the line.

That's good for one run in.

It's going to end up at second base.

Second run comes in.

And how about Valley View putting up the crooked number here to take the lead over Mary and that's a great piece of hitting from King to just pokes the bat out there.

You see Bumble now and he reaches it.

Look he reached out there.

That ball's outer portion pull side swing.

But it found a barrel.

Great jump from Parker King and Valley View, putting a little pressure on as they take the lead.

King with his fourth double of the year, and that was probably the most important double he's had this season.

He gets it done.

Look still just one out runner on second.

They can add to their lead.

Ten runs already scored.

We haven't played three innings yet.

If you Valley you just want to keep scoring.

Keep scoring.

That's right.

But foot on the gas pedal don't let up.

The ball.

Look at the sunglasses on the shortstop there.

They're shining off of the sun somewhere.

Something it's.

And it's reflecting.

It looks like he's got lights on top of his head.

Nothing.

I can see it up here, but we can't really see the shortstop with that shot.

But it's very odd looking because it's reflecting off the lights at the top of the stadium.

One oh count.

Lefty looking for an RBI.

Little late on it.

There's a look at the shortstop.

He'll turn around.

Force will be able to see it.

See how it looks out.

Reflex right there.

Then you see that little shine of the lights.

One one count.

Boom ball battling trying to get out of the inning.

Fouls it off the end of the bat.

And he's labored a little bit.

But I go back to that leadoff hitter Gartman.

He battled didn't hit it hard.

Kind of reached out pokes one into left field.

That at bat might have really sparked thing because then you think he stole second put pressure on him and Bumble just never really felt comfortable this whole inning and walks came back to haunt him.

Yeah.

One two count wants to put this batter away.

Well, inside.

You can tell the battling is from bum ball.

Just kind of shaking arms out like, man, I don't know where it missed.

You can tell it's just one of those days.

We're in this game in this inning.

He's just struggled with the command up to 78 pitches.

Now.

That's a lot.

Three innings over 25 innings so far.

But he reaches down throws a good curve.

Gets in to go.

Throw down to first.

Gets him right to goes to third.

Heads up play.

There are two outs.

Runner at second was heads up.

He was just kind of paying attention.

Paying attention.

Just kept getting a little further, a little further away from second base.

As soon as the catcher threw the first, he took off running.

They had no chance to get him at third.

Small things right.

Valley view does a lot of small things right.

But how about that hammer from colon?

Bomb ball gets a big strike out to Tatum.

Needed it.

And now if you're and you're say you can take third let's focus on the hitter at hand and can and Driscoll.

Yeah let's get out of this inning okay.

The damage is done.

Two out there, two up.

We can get two runs.

We've already scored four.

We can do it again.

We scored two in the first, two in the third.

So nobody's out of this game.

Just want to get out of this inning.

And ball taps himself on the back of the head after throwing that one outside.

Away.

Driscoll, third baseman hitting 323.

Looks at that one.

Go outside trying to hit that outside part of the plate.

Done it a couple of times.

But all of you being patient and watching it float out there, it's been a great game plan from Valley View to work that count and not chase pitches out of the zone.

They have work.

That count got in on the fish, gets past the third baseman, and the run scores in the heads up play allows him to score.

Going to dive into second base safe there.

So Driscoll, with a heads up play, got another runner in scoring position.

But you think if the runner doesn't take third on the wild pitch he doesn't score there?

Most likely, yeah.

Puts pressure Valley view again.

Doing small things right.

Battling ball once more.

Driscoll the nine hole hitter.

Look at that ball.

That probably should have been maybe the third baseman.

He's going to want that one back.

But again you put it in play.

Good things happen.

And so far Marion a little bit self-inflicted that time when the third baseman reaction told us all soon as the ball got by Barnett, he just looked up in the sky and just a little sigh right there, he he knows he should have got that one.

Boom ball comes up high with it.

Fouls it off to him.

Play right there in front of the dugout.

Catch is made.

Our man gets that one and the damage is done though.

Valley view puts up six in the bottom of the third.

They take the lead.

Valley view seven Marion four headed to the fourth.

You're watching the five eight state championship game on Arkansas PBS sports.

This month on Arkansas PBS.

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Well, it's time to name our five Arkansas PBS student all star.

Drumroll, please.

It's Zane Schmidt from Farmington, the senior with the GPA that keeps on amazing me.

We have GPAs that are above four, and I don't get a 4 to 5 GPA.

Going to the University of Arkansas.

Plans to major in biology up on the hill.

And good luck to him.

Zane.

Great job with that.

4.25.

Very impressive.

I hope Zara's lower than his GPA.

My guess is probably was.

All right.

Valley view trying to protect that lead as we go to the top of the fourth.

Will change up in right field.

Zephyr on okay.

Came in for black for the new pitcher to keep mathis bringing in Mathis.

Mathis for the year.

Take a look at his numbers.

25 and a third innings pitch.

He's three and two on the year.

2.76 E.R.A.

Not too shabby for.

I'll give you the wrong once I.

That's Keaton Mathis.

I was looking at Levi Martin, so no no wonder you're looking at me funny.

You look at Mathis is numbers 53 and two thirds of an inning.

Ten and oh, with a 1.30 ERA man.

Mathis moves from his catcher spot.

74 strikeouts to 11 walks.

That's unreal.

That's a good ratio.

That's a good one to be able to bring out of the bullpen.

Yeah, that's a nice little one to punch with Martin and Mathis watch you lose last year Lance Davis he like Chris Elias.

I mean that's some arms to replace.

Some really good arms as well.

Couldn't take a look at the catcher.

Don't know who's catching now.

We'll get a number on him.

Oh.

Ground ball in the hole shortstop backhanded throw a long throw.

Good play.

Oh, it caught him safe.

Said it was off the bag trying to stretch out and get it.

And I think Roger's foot might have just come off the bag.

Well that was a nice play.

Gartman slashing the leather deep throw.

And look at the stretch on that.

And, here's a good look right here.

Boy, did he just come off.

Martin was bobbling.

That's Levi Martin first he was bobbling it.

Just couldn't haul it in.

Got a little short hop.

And I think by the time he got it, his foot was off the bag.

A good call there.

I think.

They got the ground ball he was looking for.

Just couldn't he.

It was a tough play.

That ball was in the hole.

Shortstop did a great job.

Gartman did.

And backhanded it in a strong throw.

Just a little bit of a short hop.

Got him.

Here's a look at Mathis moving from his catcher spot.

Caught the first three innings.

Now he's hoping to throw the last four innings.

That would be ideal for Valley View.

Coach Allison talks about his pitcher Mathis.

He said he's all fun and games when it comes game time.

They said they joke about it.

Lunch.

He's got an alter ego, they call him, Chad said.

He's a psycho in a good way.

He's so locked in that when he's on the bump, he gets in this different mode and it's just lights out.

You saw his numbers, so that pitch nice strike out gets the first out of the inning.

I mean, look at this.

Just bender up for him, you see.

Think he's going down.

He's like, oh, I got a swing now.

And Miles Holt couldn't make up his mind.

Look, he saw him dip.

Thought it was going to be a ball.

I got a swing.

Too late, too close.

I got to get a little something on this.

Back to the top of the lineup.

Runners off.

And what?

The ball.

The ball hit the bat.

The elusive.

Think it slipped?

Yeah.

Just lost it.

Of course.

Got a new catcher in it.

Just the way I thought it deflected.

It hit something because the way it went to the right look at the replay.

But it just slipped out right here.

Better.

The mask got in front of his eyes and he thought he was throwing at second.

Threw it the first, goodness.

Patriots with the runner in scoring position trying to Now they're the ones trying to chip away.

Yeah.

And that's a good word too.

I think that's what you got to do if you're Marion.

Don't have to get it all back.

But just creep a little bit here.

Kind of put some pressure.

And that's what Coach Prater said.

We don't have to match them, but we got to go punch, punch.

If they get a bigger punch, we got to have at least some type of a punch and stick around.

Mathis to Malloy.

That's the breaking ball gets away runner old Vance.

He heads over to third.

No throw.

Now you got a runner third.

Less than two outs.

You got to get this guy in.

You gotta make some kind of contact.

You know, you look at games and you can't pinpoint one play in a state title game that wins or loses you.

But you can look at the times you had opportunities to get runs.

You look at that sac fly earlier in the game that didn't end up scoring.

They held him at third.

Small things like that.

You got a runner at third, one out.

You got to produce.

If you're Marion.

Barnett over at third.

And that walk now.

So runners at first and third sets up the double play valve.

You can turn it cat up next shortstop hitting 289.

It's got 16 RBI on the season.

Got a chance to get one here.

Some kind of contact fly ball.

Third baseman is playing even with the bag.

First baseman of course is holding Malloy first shortstop and second baseman.

They're playing right up the middle.

Double play depth.

Will try to bond him home.

Foul ball well safety squeeze action.

I think it goes to show you how important this run is for Marion.

Coach Prater realizes it.

Want to make sure they get at least one in this scenario you have Cat do it again.

You know you know from him I think so if that's what you're wanting to do and you trust him.

Yeah.

But again I'm an aggressive guy.

And if you do double play you're thinking why don't you do that?

But yeah, I think he goes but again if he already attempted once depends on you know, we don't have a good angle to see they're playing in at third a little bit.

So you'd have to really push it right side.

With the first baseman holding the runner on.

I'm swing away.

And this time right down the middle would have been a good pitch to bunt or a good pitch to hit.

I think he was definitely thinking off speed and busted a fastball right down the middle.

Now you got to protect.

If you're Carson Kapp, he's one for one today.

So he's found barrels, but he's really gonna have to battle.

He does.

He battles, hits the shortstops, not gets a run home.

Runners advance to third.

They'll hold him at third.

The catcher makes the throw.

Bad throw a win.

And that allows Cat to go to second.

So we got runners on second to third.

That's a best case scenario there for Marion.

Wow.

No kidding.

Shortstop.

He's trying to cover the bag at second.

And because of that this base hit take a look.

He's going to second up.

Oh bangs it to that left side just enough out of the reach of the shortstop Gartman.

And Cat does a job.

And you're right that throw in was problematic because each runner got to move up.

And now Marion's a base hit away from tying it up.

How about putting the runner in motion?

That caused the shortstop to go cover the base, take the throw from the catcher, and they hit it where he wasn't.

Mathis first pitch is up high for a base hit.

Ties it back up.

We were talking possibly ties it back up.

We were talking about chipping away.

Chipping away.

Well, they got a chance to more, do more and just chip away another outside pitch.

Ball two.

And here's the deal.

Two runner at third again less than two outs.

You got to be careful that regardless with where there's one two outs.

If you're Mathis you don't have the luxury of feeling competent to bury a pitch because if it gets away, another run comes in to score bump ball with the hit.

Couldn't tie this thing up.

He's not the pitcher of or.

Yeah, I guess he's still the pitcher, Rick.

He's still.

Yeah.

He's still in there.

Yeah I'm anxious to see if we'll see him come out in the next inning or no, his pitch count was getting up there.

At his numbers for the day.

Hit by pitch at a single score to run in 338 on the year.

He had a big double against maybe two runs driven in.

That was the difference in the game.

To get him here.

I'm ball swinging away like that one.

I'm just going to square it up.

Tense moment here.

Fourth inning, back and forth game Marion strikes first valid.

He comes right back to make it two one.

Marion scores two to make it 4 to 1.

And in the bottom of the inning Valley view score six.

And then what happens?

Respond with the run fills later than the fourth inning doesn't it just it's like man you look till the fourth inning.

Top of the fourth.

Why this game's gone though.

It's felt like it's getting later on.

It's a long game.

It's already 830.

We've been playing an hour and a half.

The fun is just getting started.

As they say.

Yeah, we're basically what, just about halfway through?

Yeah, three and a half innings here.

All right.

There's a drive out in the center field.

Center fielder can't get there.

Can't find it.

That's going to allow the runner to come down.

Yeah.

Hold him off.

They stopped him at the last second probably.

Good thing they did.

That was a nice throw.

Quick recovery runner a second.

Had to stay.

Couldn't tell he was hanging aro That's a smart play because if center fielder comes in Taylor makes that catch.

He's doubled you off at second.

So you got to wait.

Once it dropped.

Probably a smart play to leave him.

But how about Cohen bum ball coming through with the offense.

The offspeed bangs it to center right in front of Jay Taylor.

Marion's bats.

They've come to play it.

Wood Taylor was fortunate too because it bounced well in front of him.

But he put his glove up and was able to knock it down off of the bounce because if he gets past him, no doubt the runner scores and who knows where bum ball ends up.

It's a good point.

Almost like a guy blocking a field goal, right?

They try to squeeze again and this one's going to barely roll foul.

Almost the perfect.

But not only with the run scored.

He'd had been safe at first.

Roger's been on first and second with just one out.

McEwen almost had the perfect bunt.

Walked back slowly to home plate after sprinting to first catch his breath.

Refocus.

Look down, get the sign first and third one out.

Marion down one.

He needs to get that runner and tie it up here in the fourth.

It's shaking going on.

What's going on in those rafters out there?

Winds picked up a little bit, but I don't think it's the wind blowing him around.

Must be some fans out there.

It's a foul ball out into no man's land.

Almost a great diving catch.

Almost.

Wow I hate to see those foul balls in that area.

Brings back nightmares.

Oh, boy.

I know exactly what you're talking about.

It's good.

Look at the flag wind picking up a little bit.

We saw it earlier in.

The flag was limp.

Not not even moving.

And it was moving out to.

Right.

So now it's blowing in, blowing straight in.

I told you future radar had some storms blowing up over the central part of the state.

I hope that's not what's happening, because these winds to pick up Meteorologist West.

I've got that.

Okay.

It helps the foul ball battling in the oh two count.

It's a big battle too.

This is be a big pitch right here for Mathis.

Big at bat chance to get out of this Marion.

At this point they feel like hey we can get one more.

Let's tie this thing.

Runner at third.

Less than one out.

Just got to stay away from the double play on the strike out.

Got it.

Got to try to get this guy in battles again.

Fouls it off to the right radar doesn't show anything around this.

Yeah nothing.

Maybe some storms blowing up a little later this evening, but looking good right now.

More importantly, Marion trying to get this run in and tie the game up.

One out.

Oh, two count.

He does it again.

I tell you what, that is a good pitch.

Busted him inside.

Did a good job just getting a little piece of it.

I mean, I'm with you.

I think that's a pitcher's pitch.

Better battle at the plate, because there's not a lot of guys that make contact with that coming up and in that swing and miss stuff.

And McEwen battling at the dish.

Does that Mcewans been up there a while.

It's an over in the hole between first and second.

He gets the job done.

Tying run scores.

Right fielder comes up with it quickly.

Runner has to stay at second.

But we got a tie game Marion putting together a rally to answer Valley views.

Big inning.

And I think what impresses me the most is a two strike approach, going with the pitch battle until it got something to handle.

We've seen that a couple of times tonight for Marion.

Hitters going up a field, doing a job when it matters most.

And if you like offense, you have come to the right place.

Brody Byrd now up first baseman, hitting 388, eight doubles, four triples, a home run.

We're going to have a conference on the mound.

Catcher goes out.

No movement out of the Valley View dugout was just catcher and pitcher talking time a little time just to settle down a little bit.

So looking over into the dugout, getting some instruction, they'll break it up.

Just as the home plate umpire was heading out to tell him to break it up.

But it's going in.

Catch his breath.

Settle him down.

Look, it's still a tie game.

You know our offense is going to score.

Let's get out of this inning.

Let's make a pitch.

Get out of the inning.

Or they were buying some time.

There is some stirring down to the bullpen down the left field line.

I think that's exactly what it was.

Go talk to me for a minute.

Buy me some time, then I'll come out.

Might be Finley down the way.

I'm not sure.

Parker Kings had some innings pitched for him this year.

He's.

He's gone 22 and two thirds.

He made the call.

We're going to have a pitching change.

We're going to take a break.

Kind of let the pitcher warm up.

Let the young man get ready.

We'll see if Marion can add to their lead.

Stick around.

This is Arkansas PBS sports.

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One.

Welcome back to the five state championship game.

I'm Westmore, joined by JB Brazil, and we've had a pitching change.

Valley view bringing in Wil Finley to try to stop the bleeding.

He's a young arm sophomore, but this is a guy that Coach Allison thought of.

Hey, if things get in trouble, we're going to see this guy.

He's got good stuff.

19 and third innings pitched.

Only given up four earned runs.

He's got 19 strikeouts, five walks.

So he knows how to fill up the zone.

Two zero on the year the reliever.

Something else to mention.

We talked about coach Prater from Marion will win.

Phil Finley dates his daughter now Buster, how about that household right about now seven seven game state championship game.

Fourth inning 221.

Yeah I know what's going through his mind though.

It's just baseball, right?

That's all that's worried about his daughter.

Peyton is actually a really good volleyball player to it.

Valley view from typewriters knows he's got sports in his blood.

Nice movement there.

Good speed on the pitch.

A little outside.

Mary, it's bang together.

Nine hits today.

Three.

Excuse me.

Four in this inning.

And bird, looking for more down.

Bounces in.

Easy take and come back.

Tough situation for the sophomore to come into.

Let go.

But.

Oh.

There's a strike.

Oh, Finley needed that one.

He did just something to kind of settle it a little bit.

That's been bending that low pitch that's been there.

The home plate umpire.

So if you're a pitcher new into the game and Finley, you got to utilize that.

Find where that zone is and start pounding it.

Pitch to your locations two one count to bird.

That's on first and second.

Whoa whoa.

We need to three and one.

At the infielder, shortstop.

Staying close to second base.

Trying to keep the runner close.

Second baseman's will off first and third.

Playing off.

This is a tough situation because you don't want to come into the wheelhouse, but you don't want to walk the bases loaded.

This is a big pitch in this game.

Oh, I thought he got the call.

I thought he was going to get the call.

And that low strike the ball four bases loaded for Marriott.

Still one out.

Oh that's going to bring up a sophomore on sophomore situation with Ladd Langley.

Up next.

And it's a close look there.

But you're right Langley coming in.

He's kind of had a rough day in terms of the approach.

Over two is a couple of strikeouts.

But he's looked good up there.

He's battled just hasn't been able to connect in his two at bats.

And good pitch.

The strike lead off Langley outfield playing kind of shallow straight away at shortstop.

Is shifted over now.

He's not anywhere close to the back.

Breaking ball well Off-speed pitch fouls it off right side.

The first baseman makes the play.

Heads up.

Going home.

Try to get the runner.

Runner came back.

That was going to be close.

Bang bang.

He was tagging a third.

He came about halfway and decided not to come.

Turned around but heads up play from right field right there.

Zambrano into the game.

Goes over, makes the catch and knows immediately to get the ball in.

It's a guy who's been their main pitcher, one of their better pitchers.

But injury and such is something to keep an open runner.

At third was Bumble.

He's had a little bit of an ankle injury.

And so probably one of the things that held them there is it wasn't hit deep enough because of the ankle hall up to pick them up.

Looking for that big two out here.

You see some big two-out hits from both teams.

Yeah.

Oh, for two for the day.

Oh oh.

Breaking ball Finley keeping him off balance.

Finley a pitch away from getting out of the mess.

Keeping the game tied.

Getting the job done.

That's what they asked him to do.

They wanted him to come in, get him out at the end and keep the game tied.

And he comes inside with it looked like he was trying to check his swing.

I like that pitch though.

Open in curve ball hung a little bit but it's too close for the tank.

So all kind of last second.

Made a decision.

Well I think he can go down the play off speed or up.

And in fastball he's been laid on it.

You got a lot of luxury to go to.

You just don't want to bury something too far away and get away from the catcher.

If you're Finley.

Throws a curveball outside.

Yeah, I was thinking fastball up and up.

Up.

Fastball.

Try to blow it past him.

Anything down low scares me a little bit.

With the runner on third, he to give him a free run with the wild pitch.

Maybe you trust your catcher.

Pattillo in.

Oh, they were walking off.

A lot of players walked off and didn't get the call.

Pitcher, catcher, shortstop took a step.

Good location.

It's a pitcher's pitch.

Yeah, but it's been outside all game.

That got got there.

One more pitch is all he needed.

He got of the game.

Look at him, Finley.

It's exciting.

The sophomore came in, got the job done.

High fives all around.

But Marion battles back.

They put up a three spot and tie it up at seven.

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Valley of you.

Looking to get back on the scoreboard.

And they've had some clutch hits today.

Valley view scored a run in the bottom of the first inning.

Cut into Marion's.

Lee made it 2 to 1, but the third inning was the big inning for Valley View.

They put up a six spot the last time they were up.

They took the lead at the time 7 to 4.

I tell you what, Marion came right back, scored three runs in the top of the fourth to tie this thing up.

Seven apiece.

That's where we are.

Bottom of the fourth.

Valley view, they looking to respond.

They've done a good job of that so far.

That's what we've had the whole game long.

It's been back and forth back and forth.

Marion has scored in three of their four innings two, zero, two and three.

Valley view scored one and two of their three innings so looking to make it three for four.

Just like Marion.

You know it's funny.

We've only had one scoreless innings and that was the second inning.

Both teams put up zero.

But besides every team scored in every inning half inning so far.

Yeah, both pitchers kind of got in the groove.

And then the bats started rolling.

Lola control issues.

Kind of surprised to see, I guess I shouldn't say too surprised.

See bum ball back out there because once he's out, you got to go.

Somebody else.

But hey this is a test for him.

He's pitch counts up short leash.

Now if you're not able to start rolling through the hitters.

Yeah, you nailed it.

I was about to say I think he's got to be on a short leash.

Inside bat turned on the victim.

Hit it hard, but a foul.

Let's see.

Bellevue picking it up out of the dugout.

Heads up over there, guys.

Be alert.

Bomba had him reaching.

Right idea.

On Roach.

Trying to get on base.

Get that leadoff hitter on base for Valley View.

Another rally going.

Roach boxing to the third baseman.

Gets it cleanly.

Throw over plenty of time.

053 put out.

Oh, and Roach retired.

It's exactly what Bomba needed to.

Bomba wants to get that first out, have a clean inning, limit the number of pitches.

I tell you West, if you want DVD copies of the state championship game, they're available from Inman Productions or information at MNM productions.

Dot net Matt Johnson his crew do a fantastic job well working with them, a ball that we kind of slipped out of his hand.

Fortunate didn't go inside and hit the batter.

Back with the fastball.

May have overthrown that one a little bit.

Held on to it for a second.

Went outside on him.

Now.

You know, he was throwing strike after strike after strike to Roach.

He kind of lost it to Mathis.

Mathis.

He wants to help the team.

Oh, he didn't want to help him that way, but he'll take it.

It'll go off the shoulder.

Off the helmet.

You get the shoulder in the way.

Take.

You want the brunt of that.

Rolled over it a little bit.

Rolled off to the shoulder I think he did.

And well you ever hate to get hit when it's three.

Oh it's ball four.

Anyways let's see the look here.

I think it was shoulder.

Yeah.

You know that was an uncharacteristic outing for Mathis.

I think the guy came in ten and zero with the 1.30 ERA, and I don't know how many of those were charged to him.

Foul four.

Oh, yeah.

I guess all four runs are all three runs for Marion would have been charged to him a third of an inning.

That's the first time he's been touched up like that all year.

Very uncharacteristic.

Levi Martin up now runner on first going up.

Mathis with a nice lead.

He's going outside pitch.

He's going to be in there safely.

They're not even going to throw.

He had a big lead.

He got a big jump in the throw was well outside.

The catcher had to lunge for it.

And by the time he got up you can see the jump there.

Yeah.

The base stolen easily after the catcher had to lunge for it and was off balance.

There was no chance runner in scoring position.

Now after Mathis gets the steal, Martin can give him the lead.

Looking into the dugout.

He's had four walks, one hit by pitch only four strikeouts.

But that kind of number strikeouts and walk for the same.

It's not a terrible outing, but it just means you've lost a little bit too much control.

And that's been the issue today for Bumble, all things considered.

Pitched okay, certainly not his best stuff.

I mean, I think there's some defensive errors, you know, some things, some plays.

It maybe ruled a hit, but Marion would like to have back regardless.

They've had a great game playing against Bumble and it's paid off thus far offensively by ball.

Walks off the mound trying to collect himself after three straight balls.

Got that first hitter three pretty easily.

And, just wheels of kind of falling off.

He's got runners on first and second.

I gotta wonder if that's it.

Yeah, I'm looking to see if there's going to be any action there.

Count.

Here they come.

The second baseman went in to talk to him.

Now the catcher is coming out.

One of his coaches is coming.

I think the coach already signal.

I think the coach looked like he raised his right hand, signaled out to somebody.

Maybe not just talking for right now.

Regardless, Valley View is in business again, first and second one out.

So whether this is strategy or buying time to get the new pitcher in, if you're Marion, you're flirting with danger once again.

And you're really looking for that shut down inning.

Well stick around.

Stay with bum ball.

Hoping after, putting up a three spot to tie this thing up, you'd love to get back out and get back in the dugout and hit again.

Still got that chance.

Look, that's part of what he told them.

Look, you're one pitch away.

You're one good pitch away ground into a double play.

Let's get back into the dugout.

Let's go.

In 2012 zero.

Got okay.

That's going to be the deal.

And Noah Ragsdale has been a tough out.

He's already proven that tonight Iraq sales come up big for him.

Second baseman hitting 343.

He's got six home runs on the year 31 RBI.

Runners on first and second.

Second baseman is holding the runner at second.

Very close like that one.

Just missed it.

Not holding the runner at first of course.

So the first baseman is playing well off.

Shane Ragsdale a little bit to right field.

Not much out.

Bum ball gets ahead of the count.

There.

Icebreaking.

Oh how about that corner boy.

It's a thing of beauty.

And I think that's when we saw the bump ball two years ago, a year ago against Valley View where he faced like Caldwell Lawson, Ward horseman, 11 strikeouts, a one hitter.

That's really, really good.

We haven't quite seen that tonight.

But you see that potential in some of those pitches.

That curveball is lethal.

You know he threw first pitch strike that help.

That's so close.

That was so close man I was about to call you running him up in three pitches.

But he got that first pitch strike and then on the fastball then comes back.

Those the curve and he comes right back and almost painted the corner.

I think boom ball kind of left.

His coach is an antenna I don't know where it missed.

It was close.

Ragsdale gets see another pitch.

He sets up kind of high.

Oh he threw one in the dirt.

Got him runners on base.

He he throws down to third.

They didn't have to run, but they did.

They got it.

They call it safe I know he was out there.

Yeah.

They call say wow.

Love to see that replay.

Maybe didn't get the tag down.

The catcher looked down to first but realize I don't have to throw it to first.

Then by the time he looked the third good throw.

Let me just tell tag down.

I think the best look at it.

That's a little way easier.

Yeah.

Good call.

Going from our angle initially it did look like we don't have the vantage.

We're in the basketball arena so we don't have our on field advantage in the booth.

But it was such a good throw.

It was right on the bag.

It just couldn't quite get the tag down.

First and third hit the batter.

Now we got the bases loaded.

Hit Jake Taylor on the first pitch and that'll bring up Parker King.

Huge moment in this game.

Bases loaded.

Two outs.

Tie ballgame in the fourth.

This is a big moment Taylor two.

You struck him out twice already.

First pitch hit by pitch.

Love Taylor.

He didn't even try to go.

By all means possible I'm getting on base.

I'm wearing it.

He may have thrown that knee out a little bit.

Did he?

And I mean like, I want to get to you, man.

Get on base.

Let's go.

Whatever it takes for the bases.

Well, talk about the trust, though the coach Prater has and Bumble to keep him in.

I mean, they know what kind of stuff he's got.

That's a lot of trust in a tough situation.

I got a bum ball up to 103 pitches right now.

110 is the limit.

So he's creeping up on and I guarantee you this is probably the last batter.

Parker King looking for the big hit.

Little inside.

Slider coming.

Getting 357 on the year.

We got three doubles.

Double here.

Probably clear the bases.

You already had one earlier right?

Two run.

Double big swing from him.

Yeah.

That should give him another double.

That's four on the year.

That was a pitch that was a curveball outside kind of pokes the bat out there.

Pulls up good control of the bat.

Pain in the corner.

Well, he needed that call.

That's a big call.

It's a 5050 call.

And you go and actually you think about goes from one 2 or 2 one.

That's that's a big pitch because it goes pitcher's count which is one, two or hitters count.

And that hitter would have the advantage of the pitcher.

Now bum ball does does he let him get away.

You bury something again.

This is a big pitch to King.

He's gonna have to battle.

Thought he might throw the fastball.

You know, it was a little curveball that he was able to flip out there on that outside corner to Werth.

That's in his mind.

Last time he was able to do a little something with it.

It was outside pitch to as well.

Outside it was almost a throw away pitch, a pitcher's pitch, trying to get the count straight.

He was double checking with his catcher and the home plate umpire.

Yeah, it's two two count.

On ball.

Buries it inside.

Just fouls it off man.

That's a good pitch.

Better swing from King to stay alive a lot of hitters swinging missing that stuff.

Able to stay in there.

Good battle going on.

And see Kings numbers one for two with that two run double.

We were just just talking about one ball with the delivery.

Got it on the breaking ball.

Floated it off.

Breaks it down this time.

Huge out for bomb ball game remains tied.

Bases loaded.

Jam escaped seven seven heading to the fifth watch of the five eight state team championship game on Arkansas PBS sports.

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South.

Welcome back to Bear Stadium, JB Brazil.

Westmore, glad you're with us.

Here's a little package for Marion putting bat on ball.

They have put stick on display today.

Lot opposite field action fired up for the Patriots.

This one.

The steal was on.

Hit and run.

Got it past the shortstop.

Pressure applied.

And again this bloop here.

This one's from Bubba.

Only scored a run.

Run a diving attempt landed harmlessly in front of Taylor.

That made it a one run game.

And then one batter later, the swing to tie things up.

And we're all square at seven.

Will Finley back out there for Valley View?

The sophomore got it done in the last inning trying to give him another inning.

A little ground ball to the first baseman.

No problem.

He'll take it himself and get the first out of the inning.

I was impressed with Finley.

That was a tough situation.

You bring in the sophomore in out of the bullpen, had been playing and comes in and shuts the door.

How does he respond this inning?

He gets a quick out.

So a great start for Will Finley.

And you mentioned it in its 10th grade.

That's a it's a lot of pressure for a young guy in a big stage like this.

But he's rising to the occasion.

Nice pitch there.

Just fouls it off.

He's going to be mid to upper range.

You're seeing that velo as a sophomore.

He's got a bright future.

He's got a good slider too.

We've seen him throw it at different counts.

But when he gets a hand on that fastball look out.

Changes for Valley View in the field.

Mathis has reentered the game.

He's back at catcher.

Yeah.

Holt was that, second.

And he goes out.

Scutaro is now out in right field.

Pattillo left the game.

That was good.

Oh two pitch right there was better take from the batter.

Myles Holt, the second baseman, hitting 352 on the season.

Fouls that one off.

That was going to be a strike.

You had to get it.

Get his bat out on that one little inside.

Tough pitch to hit.

He fouls it away I think if nothing else two if you're Marion against Finley work that count to third pitcher of the day for Valley View.

So just find ways to put together good at bats.

Family.

Nice breaking ball but a better job of hitting by Myles Holt.

Goes down and gets it and finds the hole.

Hits it right back up the middle.

Hawks excited.

No that's it is going to say it earlier.

But Holt's got seven stolen bases on the year that night.

Number nine hit a hole hitter.

Look to get him put him in in action right here.

Sophomore coming through the big moment.

You're right.

That's a good piece of hitting.

It looked like a pitch that a lot of pitchers certainly Hanley will get a strike on but able to fight it off and runs it right back to the box.

Max Malloy up center fielder, leadoff hitter for 14 on the year.

Holt nice lead at first.

Not going.

Malloy to oh, count.

To Marion, do you take a chance?

You don't want to run yourself out of the inning with the top of the lineup up, but if you get a good jump, time it up and staying put little late on it.

Well, waited a hair second to pull the trigger.

I like that pitch though.

Kind of mixing it up.

Took a little bit off that.

Just enough to throw off the hitter.

Another good pitch.

Back to back.

Good pitches.

Evens the count.

Come on.

Late life.

A little movement to at the end.

It's almost a hard slider.

That's what he him his slider is heart coach.

I also talked about that.

It moves.

It looks like a fastball at times and it falls off just a little bit, but it comes in quickly.

Fill it up.

Full count.

Lloyd trying to get a rally going for Marion.

Fouls another one up.

Stay in play.

First baseman.

Giving it a look by the dugout and overran it.

Oh, he just overran it.

Martin was hustling over trying to get there and lost sight of the ball and wasn't able to stop himself quick enough.

And the first base coach was in the vicinity as well, and Martin gave chase.

But you're right.

Just over ran that new life.

And lots, lot of times you get new life.

What do you do with it?

Can Malloy take advantage of the break?

Oh, count.

New life.

Runner off.

Doesn't matter.

Ball for.

But the runner in motion.

I like that had the second baseman going over to cover.

That opened up the right side.

Didn't matter.

Pitch was outside.

And now Marion with runners on first and second.

Finley has to work out of another jam.

Bring up Carson, cat for the first one.

That's had a good day.

Yeah.

He's got, say, two for two.

It's what I have him for.

Yeah.

He hasn't been gone out tonight.

They have been able to get him.

He and Bumble both two for two of the walk.

Both of them have produced well Mcewans two for three.

So the next three hitters each have two hits.

Right guys?

Coming up for Marion.

First pitch attack.

Hit it out in the center field.

It hangs up though runners will not be able to advance.

Cat found a pitch he like you see him right there.

Just missed it.

He hit it sharply, but just too much in the air.

And anytime you leave in the air for Jay Taylor, good luck.

He's got wheels out there and on a no fly zone.

No, you got past Cat.

Now you got to get past bum ball one boom ball.

The pitcher of record.

We think he's probably done for the night.

But you know if he gets a base hit it helps his own calls.

Gives him leading his teammates pick him up.

He can get the win the state championship game.

Breaking ball good for strike one unless he stays in which I don't think is the case.

He's not going to get the loss.

They're getting no decision at this point if his night is over on the ball.

Yeah, we had him over 100 pitches, probably around 106 107 after the last at bat.

Yeah, I don't know that.

I think he might have been right at that 110 I think.

Yeah, I think he's probably done.

But who knows.

What is that low strike called it after means loosen that cold all night.

He could pitch you know almost.

It's got fastball sinks at the last minute.

It's tough to pick up.

And balls hitting 338 for the season.

He's got 22 RBI least coming into the game.

And on second going back.

Second baseman little close to the bag.

Got him swinging.

Hit that outside corner with the fastball and how about that.

Gets cat and bomb ball back to back with runners in scoring position.

We're still tied Finley gets it done again Finley the sophomore coming up big for Valley View Marion unable to get those Go-Ahead runs.

We'll see what Valley View could do next.

Stick around.

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Valley view ready.

Hoping to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Take a look at some of their hitters getting ready.

Seven seven Marion held scoreless for just the second time this season.

Or this or this tonight.

This game, it's been a long game.

Yeah.

Two in the first.

None in the second.

Three.

Two in the third.

Three in the fourth and none in the fifth.

So Finley the sophomore pitcher gets it done.

Now, we get a new pitcher in for Marion Coleman.

Barnett.

Like you said, he thought he would be the next pitcher in.

Sure enough, Coleman Barnett on the mound for bomb ball.

Got good stuff.

42 and two thirds innings pitched, a 1.8 ERA.

So another sub two guy fumble and pitch.

The most innings for Marion on the season.

Barnett the second most.

42 and two thirds.

42 strikeouts.

So strikeout in inning basically for Barnett.

Giving up a 2.38 batting average.

Ball.

That's two and one.

Bun.

Ball, by the way, stays in the game.

He moves over to third base.

Fouls that one off.

Basically all they did was switch places.

Barnett moves from third pitcher and from ball moves over to third.

We like simple transitions, don't we?

It does help.

Another foul ball.

It's a good pitch up and away.

What a movement.

Able to stay in there.

Was Tatum.

Tatum.

The D.H. in 271.

Lets that one go.

Seen enough of those high ones to say.

Well, let that one get up.

Go get their full count.

How patient has Valley View been, though?

I mean, they really work a lot of three two counts.

Like you labor walk the walk.

Taylor will go to first leadoff hitter on for Valley View.

What they say about leadoff walks a high percentage of the time they'll there end up running to score 90% of the time they scored 90%.

In 72% of stats are made up, right?

Yes.

And that's what I did.

Tatum is going to get a pitch runner.

The D.H. gets the walk and head back over into the dugout.

And get a number over there to see who gets a chance to play in a state championship game.

Exciting time.

No matter if you start your pitcher on pitch, hit relief pitch, whatever.

It's a moment you'll never forget.

You saw and and Driscoll.

Up next, Driscoll, the third baseman in 323.

For school.

Not just that breaking ball curve down the curve.

Just, you know, started a little high and just breaks sharply at the end.

Gets into the strike zone.

Throw over first getting number one in there 15 I think that's a 15 gets into the game.

It's Barrett mallet okay.

Freshman.

He takes off running.

Freshman wants more.

He wants a stolen base.

He gets it.

Showing some wheels.

To what?

He had a good jump to watching him out of the corner.

Mine.

He took off quickly and it gets him.

Beats the tag now.

Valley view got a little something going.

Well how about it for that freshman two showing off the wheels.

It's close.

But you're right.

He beat it.

Touches the bag.

Swipe was late.

And then you see keeps his foot on the back two.

Oh now you get a ground ball.

The left side runner cannot advance.

Throw is good.

One is probably trying to hit that over on the right side.

And here let him let the runner advance to third.

But the freshman did a good job and didn't run into an out ball was in front of him.

So yep.

And just look at him.

He goes back to second and so bounces off.

Second case of throw was bad.

But did everything right there.

Still in scoring positions.

Brings up the top of the lineup.

Here's the test right.

Top guys can really do some damage for Valley View.

Dartmouth saw something he likes hits at center field.

Looks like the center fielder.

Malloy has it.

Runner is going to test the arm throw to third.

Gets him another base.

Was behind.

But that freshman's played a lot of ball in his life.

You know he's played a lot of summer ball.

He is very alert on the base pass.

That's the future Valley view right there Barrett Mallon.

He's going to get some playing time in the years to come.

You can bet on this.

Will be now he's got here.

He's got himself over and third wild pitch pass ball take the lead being aggressive on the basepaths when now base it in the outfield.

Guarantees a run.

Coming score wears of your second.

You make him get down to gun down at the point in the infield here.

That's true.

Yeah.

He got past Dartmouth.

Now he's got to get there.

Roach coach another solid hitter at the top of this Valley View lineup, hitting 376 and a couple of home runs on the year.

He just wants a hit.

A nice pitch.

And two count.

And now with that runner at third makes it a little bit back of your mind.

You bury that curveball.

You don't have the luxury.

Because if it gets away that's the lead run.

But you might want to go down in the way.

Coleman Barnett trying to get out of the inning.

Roach wants to hit.

Do you see that?

I think you see the state put it would been hit by that breaking ball.

And he got out of the way at the last second.

Oh there was that breaking ball in the dirt.

Good job by the catcher.

Did he go.

No Ryan Cook good job at the catcher.

Spot.

Got down, walked it at the chest up over the ball case.

It bounced up.

That's a confidence in your catcher to go down and do that.

That's a really nice job.

You're right.

You two count to roach.

The other breaking ball just can't get him to swing at it.

But that's that's a great pitch.

That's what you want if you can touch your catcher.

Really nice job from cook.

Once again.

Go to it boy.

Roach.

Don't.

Jason, look.

First base is open.

You don't have to give him something to hit an inside attack.

Fouled it off.

Good battle between Barnett and then Roach.

Look there's been baserunners on almost every inning.

It's saying there's so much apply.

You got the scorebook over there.

Is there been a clean inning A123 inning yet?

I think there was 112, three.

And now, like you Barnett gets the ground ball in the hole.

Need a big play.

Shortstop slipped on it.

Can't get him.

That's the infield hit.

We're talking about the base running from the true freshman gets Valley View the lead 87I tell you what.

I thought a cat did a good job.

Got to the ball backhanded it, went to plant his feet to make the long throw and his foot just slipped on it.

Wow.

You go back to that.

You're right.

The base running small stuff.

And look at that plants.

You know we've seen a couple of baserunners infielders slip tonight I don't know if it's the shoes what they're wearing, but that might have been the difference because he's got a strong arm.

But the slip that just about gave it away.

No I mean you saw the throw.

Still a good throw after he regathered himself following the slip.

He put it on and just a step.

And that one step the slip cost he.

Oh I don't know where flats is.

I can't tell if those are cleats or not because, you know, you got certain ones for the turf.

Does Marion play on turf or is the question they practice it Palestine.

Wheatley on the way down here.

They did it in a state tournament.

Coach Prater said that was the key to them.

Kind of keep it the same routine.

And at Nick's Barbecue in Carlisle.

But I don't know about the artificial turf.

My guess is no.

And I that this year now.

Has this got the runner on first.

Got the hitter's count.

Trying to keep this inning going.

Trying to get some insurance runs.

He attacks that high ball.

Going to be in play.

Shortstop there.

Makes the play.

And Marion is out of the inning.

One run scores.

Valley retakes the lead, eight seven.

Stick around.

We got a good finish.

Something tells me they're not done scoring.

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We'll make a little correction because, Roach had left the game home.

And thank you, coach, for texting me.

But Finley that Finley helping himself there with the, hitting to the hole.

Man, that was big.

That was big.

I mean, how many times have we seen put the ball in play?

Good things happen.

Small things.

Baserunning.

You put it in play.

Anything can happen.

Infielder slips.

Infielder slips on the turf, throws the beat late.

And all of a sudden that runner on third and got a stolen base.

Heads up play getting to third, tagging up and scores on the infield.

Hit.

Coach always told me, you strike out, there's about a 0% chance.

Unless it gets away from the catcher, away from the catcher, that you're going to get on base.

You put it in play.

Anything can happen to it.

Patriots find themself trailing not the first time they've found themselves trailing.

They've battled back and see if Marion can do it once again.

First pitch over.

You always want to start the batter up.

Especially the first batter of the game.

You don't want to get that first batter on base.

Start him out with the strike.

Almost got him fishing for that.

He laid off.

Finley, the sophomore, got out of a jam, then pitched a good inning.

Last inning looking to put up another zero.

He's done conference there with the coaches.

McEwan in the hole.

The cleanup hitter.

Well, hold on, we gotta.

We gotta write this down.

That's our offensive timeout.

Vintage.

Ready to go.

Well, he's feeling it.

Put up a zero and oh two count.

Now.

Do you.

And fouls that one off on the right side.

Don't think they can get there.

It's out of play.

I'll tell you the job that Finley has done just kind of leveled things out.

Martin struggled a little bit more than he normally does.

Same thing with Keaton Mathis.

But Finley has been a breath of fresh air.

One and two thirds innings, not giving up run.

Came in very tough situation.

Got out of the inning.

Limited Marion's damage to three runs and then like I said, put up a zero in the fifth and looking to do the same in the sixth.

He's got to get McEwan first.

Got oh I thought he got.

And that was a good piece of hitting right there.

That was a good pitch from from, Finley and McEwen to reach out off balance.

Get a piece of that.

I would have struck out because I thought that was a breaking ball.

I thought it fell off the table.

I don't know how he hit it.

I tell you, I've seen that pitch create a lot of strikeouts.

I called it a little prematurely.

I tell you what, that was a good piece of hitting.

And the lay off of that one man, it's a great tank.

This is a good battle to play for McEwan against a guy in Finley, even though he's a sophomore.

Don't let that fool you.

He's in a groove right now.

Really hitting his spots.

And there's two quality pitches that a lot of times you get strikeouts on a cue, and seeing that breaking ball, you got to bust him with the fastball.

Oh yeah.

Tried it.

Didn't get it.

You see the fans behind home plate got a, couple hands on the head right?

Oh, that was close.

Must be it.

That's been the zone.

Right then a little bit tighter, if you will.

It's been more of a hitter's zone.

And the score replicates that.

No, no, I'll give you the.

Guy in that time.

What a battle that was.

Good one.

I tell you what.

Finley got the best McEwan.

But don't hang your head.

You battled that one.

That was a fun At-Bat to watch.

Really was I was impressed.

Two guys give it up.

Their best stuff.

Lander on the line.

Three, two.

Fastball.

Just a challenge.

Hey, I'm going to give you my best.

You've been battling off the good stuff coming at you.

And he wins the battle.

All right, so McEwan's retire now.

Bring up the first baseman Brody Bird.

Bird swinging at the first pitch.

Little chopper to the first baseman.

He'll take it himself.

There's two.

It's now two and a third for Will Finley.

That ball dropped off.

It looks like a fastball.

I think bird thinks that that ball is flat.

I'm sending it to the gap.

Gil gap shot to right center, but it just dropped enough.

What does that lead to?

A little bit of a rollover off the end of the back.

Gladden Langley up next.

He's the designated hitter.

By Langley's oh for three tonight came into the game hitting 257.

Taking his time getting into the box.

Finley starts him out at the strike.

Oh he's big to get ahead in any way.

You can do it.

With Langley doing his best or.

I'm sorry.

Yeah.

Langley doing his best to slow down Finley a little bit.

You just talked about Finley.

Something.

A little bit of a roll, trying to disrupt his timing a little bit.

I watched that all last weekend with, that team in orange, WI.

Plus, I think they were three for our games, and they did everything they could to slow that game down, disrupt his timing.

Trying to get a one, two, three inning.

And he does.

How about that.

Tags him out Finley.

Another perfect ending.

Back to back perfect innings for Finley.

We'll go to the bottom of the sixth inning.

Valley view hanging on to a small lead.

It is 8 to 7 in the five eight state championship game.

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Valley View back up one.

Looking for some insurance runs?

Sure would be nice ahead of the seventh with a bigger lead on Barnett.

Comes out.

Gets him a strike one one count.

Up.

Fans on the edge of their seats.

A little nervous out there right now.

Nice lay off.

That was a good pitch.

For Barnett.

Looking for another zero?

A little ground ball to the shortstop should be an easy play.

It is first out of the inning.

Big for Barnett.

It's always good to get that leadoff hitter.

Well, ground ball cat was there.

Nice strong throw.

Good stretch.

First baseman.

They want to make sure it's eight seven heading into that top of the seventh.

I mean that's the cleanup.

Whole hitter Levi Martin for Valley View it.

That's a good one to get out.

Start the inning brings up Ragsdale.

Ragsdale 343 hitter.

Leads the team in home runs with six.

Lays off of that one.

Works a hitter's count to try to get a rally started for Valley View.

Here.

Ragsdale patient hitter, gets doesn't get that one call.

Well, high strike Barnett will take it.

Inside.

It's been the M.O.

all game long for Valley.

You work the count.

No matter who it is they take, they take till I get their pitch.

Very, very selective.

Couldn't get that one.

I like this Ryan Cook at catcher.

I think he does a good job.

Presents a big target.

So he'll open up that glove real big.

Right with the pitcher.

Get started and he'll drop it down.

Walk.

Ragsdale works, gets the walk.

Gives you something.

Give them a little business here.

Was worn out, but in Wayne Taylor.

Up next, Jake Taylor, their center fielder in 310.

Oh, no.

First had nice lead.

That was a good idea.

Good idea to throw it over.

At first, I was watching his lead off.

Very aggressive.

Well, shorter lead this time.

You don't throw over anyway.

Definitely has their attention.

Did you want me Valley have you?

Does that put pressure so it wouldn't shock me to see them try to send in a little later in the count.

Well, they have stepped shorter lead staying.

Starts him off of the strike.

I have a little conference here where we got coach coming out for all of you.

So you a little discussion?

I'm not sure.

Quite sure what it was.

Coach went out.

Now the other coach coming out, we'll talk.

I guess they call it a ball.

They did.

Looks like they did call about.

In the Marion coaches came out immediately.

One of their assistant coaches came out.

And here's a look the well we got him one or we I have a replay.

I was looking at it and the pitcher never came set.

That's why they called the ball.

It was clear on our replay.

I think the Marion coaches were just wanting clarification on why it was called.

So ball was called now Valley View with the runner in scoring position.

Oh almost gets away I was just bragging on Ryan Cook.

That's a good athletic play to get way outside and snare that so it doesn't go to the backstop.

And runner moves on over to third.

Sometimes you see a balk though.

Really effective pitcher.

How do you bounce back mentally after a little bit of that miscue?

Good pitch.

Other big battle here.

Marion wants to keep it a one run deficit before the top of the seventh.

Coleman Barnett digging down deep.

Three one count.

First base is open.

The king would be up next.

Taylor, with the opportunity.

High and hitting.

That's another one of those ball force.

Right.

But you know what?

He'd even try to move.

That's right.

It was like, you know, go ahead.

Hit me pretty well, young man.

I don't think he was worried about it, but those are the ones.

You're right.

It's three balls and you hit hit.

A lot of hitters will be like, are you kidding me?

He was like, I'm taking it.

Why?

I don't care.

He wasn't much of a flinch there.

Have Marion Coach coming back out.

We're gonna have a little conference on the mound.

He just brought his arm in and flexed a little bit.

I think that might do it for Barnett.

Yep.

I have a pitching change.

Let's see who Marion is going to go to next.

Yeah.

Bomb ball.

Barnett and Bateman.

Is that the killer bees for Marion?

We'll find out when we come back.

We'll take a break with them.

Stick around.

Exciting finish to this five state championship game on Arkansas PBS sports.

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I have never seen anything like this.

I think we have sufficient cause for celebration.

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And here's a look at our new pitcher for the Marion Patriots, Max Malloy.

Moving in from center field.

Steps up on the mound, and he inherits a tough situation.

Runners on first and second.

One out down one.

Really want to limit the damage.

Want to keep it at that one run deficit.

They'll have a task in front of him.

You're right.

But he has 21 innings pitched this year, 3.00 ERA and a batting average against of a buck 25.

So teams have not really touched him up a lot.

He comes in these types of situations middle relief at times.

He's tasked with one thing keeping an eight seven game heading to the seventh.

Barnett, by the way, moved out to his spot in center field.

It looks like where he had to the bun on.

Do you notice that he did the little fake pick off the second?

And unless the batter was falling and looked like the batter was squaring up.

Parker King's got good speed.

Just apply a little pressure to the pitcher.

Malloy.

First entry into the game.

Play on right there.

They were trying to cover.

Third throw to first.

Got him at first.

Moves the runners over.

But that little will play.

Do you notice that I did.

Is that the second ran third.

Yeah.

Watch the second baseman.

Shortstop cover second.

Second baseman goes to third.

Here.

Third baseman comes crashing in.

I tell you what.

That was a good part though.

Third baseman had no choice.

So the tip of the cap.

Good job.

Parker King lays down the Bart moves the runners over.

Second, third two outs.

Now and another.

May 2021.

And Tatum nope there pinch it.

Is it really talking about a pinch hitter.

Turn around.

Let me see your number.

It looks like it's still time to take him in their racer designated hitter.

That's why he's there for a reason.

He's there to hit one on twice.

And if you're more, you got a little bit of a luxury in terms of first base is you don't have to.

And that's how you want to utilize it.

But if you struggle a little bit, you do have nine old Driscoll do off unless they pinch it for him to get away from there.

Got a big shift on shortstops.

Play really close to second base.

Outfield.

Shaded a little bit to right field.

Got a left handed hitter up.

Two oh count.

Went after him.

Went the other way straight away to left field.

Looks like the left fielder's got it.

Mary gets out of the inning.

Mary keeps it a one run game.

Valley view eight, Mary and seven.

We'll head to the seventh.

See what Marian can do.

Stick around.

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Bottom of the lineup up for Marion.

Gotta get a run that Hall Barnett in the hole 789.

Schedule to appear.

All is in the batter's box, so they're not going to pitch it for him.

All the right fielder hitting 241 on the season.

He does have a 323 on base percentage.

What you're looking for get on base any way you can.

But a first pitch strike.

Man, if you look back for value, they end up picking up the win.

Here.

You likely look to the pitching of Finley.

Been.

It's been awesome.

What a good pitch starts him out with the strike.

Comes back with that curveball down in the dirt and two.

How about the winning run.

Let's go back to it.

The pinch runner the freshman steal second.

Tags on the ball to center field.

Gets over to third and infield single scores 123.

Catch.

He's got to dig it out.

Throws to first.

He got Finley gets it done.

And three pitches.

Hall goes down carved him up goes fastball right down Broadway.

And then Bender.

Bender both times swing and miss.

And that was just filthy from Will Finley.

Take a look.

It just falls off the hammer.

But a strike out.

And I agree with you.

Will Finley come in?

Been masterful.

Been very impressed with the group for the fans and see everybody into this game.

A one run game, top of the seventh leads him off with another strike.

Strike?

Excuse me.

Getting excited.

You talked about that small play with the runner moving up Barrett Mallet getting the scoring position.

How about that sac fly for Marion Bailey office glove.

Can't make the play.

Going to have an infield hit Finley went up party at it.

Went off his glove.

He would.

That's all they needed.

They need you know Marion needed to get on base.

Just somebody get on base.

Marte Barnett does it.

Let's take again.

Put the ball in play.

Good things happen.

Could have been if he's able to make the play.

Just open the 11.

And it was in there.

Just just kind of carried out pinball off the back of the webbing.

New life for Marion.

So it's time for a new glove.

That's what always said.

What about false.

That's a glove.

False.

Too flimsy.

I gotta give me a another one.

But you go from two outs now.

Runner at first, one out.

Owls hold up nine.

Whole hitter swinging at the high stuff.

Couldn't get it 352 on the year.

Hold today one for three.

Last time up he got it hit.

Looking for back to back hits.

Give Marion a chance.

Hall swing goes to right field.

Blooper.

Oh looking at second base what a catch.

Ragsdale doubles him off.

No.

Couldn't get the throw.

Just couldn't get enough on the throw.

After the leaping catch.

Oh he took a hit away.

What a play by Ragsdale.

Man, that was so impressive.

Making a bid was Holt.

You're right.

Just a bloop trying to get it into right field.

But Ragsdale says not today.

Elevation young man at nearly the double play to end the game.

High one hop.

The first base runner.

It would have been the end of the game.

What a way to finish the game.

Crazy finish.

But back to the top of the lineup.

Max Malloy wants to get a run in Max Malloy first pitch, swinging to the third baseman across the field to first, and Valley View does it again.

What a finish.

Finley comes in and the sophomore puts up zeros and they score and run with a freshman pinch runner stealing a base, tagging, scoring on an infield single, infield single and Valley View gets it done again.

The Blazers are red hot in Conway tonight.

Man what a finish from Valley View.

Did all the right things.

Punched the right buttons late that big time play infield single was the difference.

And the Blazers are back to back champs.

Back and forth back and forth.

But it's Valley View who finishes on top.

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There it is.

Valley view lifting the trophy for the second straight years.

Back to back 24.

Now 25.

It is their fifth title.

Made it to the finals now five years in a row.

And they've got it 21, 24 and 25.

So three out of five, I think a lot of schools out there would take the three out of five.

But they're are celebrating tonight in Valley View once again.

Great game tonight.

Take a look at some of the highlights.

It went back and forth.

It was Valley View our Marion actually striking first in the very first inning scoring two runs.

And we knew at that point we're going to have a game.

At that point, it was very important for Marion to get off to a good start.

And they did.

And scored those two runs just kind of relax them.

But Valley View came right back.

Bottom of the first inning.

Scored a run and it was 2 to 1.

And stay that way.

Nobody scored in the second inning.

Third inning Marion just right down the right field line just past the first baseman and scored two runs there in the third inning.

And Marion had a 4 to 1 lead.

That lead did not last long.

Valley view, when they came to play.

Now here's the second Royal replay or no, it's the second run scoring ballot.

Valley view just bust it out for a sixth spot in that third inning.

There's your final play right there.

That's where they do it.

Valley view gets it done.

Seven hits seven runs 20 hits.

Is that right?

20.

No that's a that's a I came to look.

Statute's off seven runs for Marion eight for Valley View.

Hey get your Valley View Championship here.

That's right.

The official championship apparel and memorabilia for this season are available at Arkansas High School sports.com.

So Blazers, you know where to find them.

Go check them out.

We're going to be busy tomorrow.

You know what.

That's just one day.

That's just one day for great games.

What a day.

Now we get to do it again tomorrow and do it again on Saturday.

Morrow's lineup is going to be just as fun.

If you enjoyed today, I know you're going to have fun tomorrow.

And the weather looks nice.

I think we're going to have, some cooperative weather.

Saturdays is no easy.

So, Sheriff, we will be back here, tomorrow morning for the three a baseball game.

It's me and you.

Right?

We'll be back here again.

That's a great matchup.

I'm telling you right now.

Genoa Central 15 seniors on the team.

Ashdown never won a state title.

Boy, that should be a lot of fun tomorrow morning.

Can't wait to get back up here.

So we got to go because we'll be right back up here in literally less than 12 hours.

Yeah.

The game starts at ten.

We got to get up here in less than 12 hours.

I appreciate the crew.

Great job tonight everybody.

Thank you for watching.

And congratulations.

Valley view your five A state champions.

Have a great night.

You've been watching Arkansas PBS sports.