• Hueytown takes Class 6A quarterfinal series 2-1

BAY MINETTE, Ala.— The Baldwin County High Tigers battled back from a 6-5 loss in game one to win the nightcap 4-0 and force the Game 3 showdown with Hueytown Saturday. But the momentum swung back for the Gophers (38-6) who took the series with a 5-0 quarterfinal win in the Class 6A semifinals. 

BCHS loaded the bases three times, but HHS starter Dylan Watkins held the Tigers to three hits for the win. Blake Hawsey closed in relief.

The Tigers were led at the plate by Dalton Hicks, Chett Phillips and Michael Thompson with each reaching on a single. Cade Stamps took the loss for Baldwin County. T.J. Reeves led the Gophers with a two-run homer and an RBI single.

The Tigers finished the season 23-17. Baldwin County coach Kyle Hunter was proud of his team’s effort all year.

"If I had to describe my team in one word though, it would be: gumption,” he said. “I couldn't be prouder of how these guys pulled together and watched them become closer and have success. As far as the kids in this clubhouse, I wouldn’t trade one of them for anything.”

“But the key to baseball is to score more runs than the other team does when the game is over with. Give credit to Hueytown. Their kids battled and our kids battled. They won in the end, so I hope they win it all, now.” 

 Hunter said he had some special words for his seniors after the game.

“The first thing I do is pray with them. This is where it started and where it ended, on the field. So I like to say a special goodbye on the field with them.”

Bailey Emmons, who won Game 3 in the second round at Robertsdale was unavailable after being diagnosed with mononucleosis.

“I wish he could be here with us,” Hunter said. “Because he’s one of the main reason we got here.”