Rally falls short in extras, HVA baseball denied state berth 8-7
HARDIN VALLEY — A successful season came to a heartbreaking end for the Hardin Valley Academy baseball team Friday night, Feb. 17.
The Hawks, coming off a Region 2-AAA championship earlier in the week by handing rival Farragut’s its first in-state loss — and first home setback — came up just short of making a trip to the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro when they dropped an 8-7 decision to Science Hill in a Section 1-AAA contest at HVA, which lasted eight innings.
The Hilltoppers, who darted out to an early 4-0 lead, scored the winning run when the Hawks made an errant pick-off throw in the top of the eighth inning.
The Hawks were retired in order in the bottom of the frame and Science Hill (27-12) celebrated.
“We played with a lot of heart,” HVA first-year head coach Tyler Roach said. “We wanted this and we left everything out here on the field tonight. ... We just didn’t play our cleanest game and that’s what cost us.”
The Hawks (22-14) pulled even in the third issue as Conner Hubler and Jared Lugo each had RBI singles.
Down 7-4, HVA pulled even again as Lukas Cook had an RBI double and later scored on a wild pitch. Cam Fisher walked in the inning. He came home on a balk to make 7-7. But the Hawks left the bases loaded in the inning.
The Hilltoppers scored the winning run in the eighth after Brycen Denton stuck out the first two batters.
Alex Elmore and Edwards both walked. Elmore was caught in a rundown but he scored from second on a throwing error.
Science Hill was supposed to rebuilding in 2019 but the Hilltoppers will be heading to Murfreesboro for a second consecutive season.
“We found a way,” Science Hill coach Ryan Edwards said. “We had zero innings pitched back from last year’s postseason run and we really didn’t have too many hitters back. But we had some younger guys really come in here and step it up.
Even in the heartbreak of a season-ending loss, Roach found some positives.
“I knew we could do this and I know we have one of the best teams in the state,” he said. “I watched this team go from going two-and-out in the district tournament [in both 2017 and 2018] to winning a region championship.”
