By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
RUSSELLVILLE – The Springville Tigers continued their winning ways on Thursday as they travelled to Russellville to take on the Golden Tigers for the right to head to the state semifinals of the 5A playoffs. All Springville did was get back-to-back shutouts to punch their ticket to the next round, solidifying themselves as one of the best four teams in the state.
Springville Baseball team celebrates after a playoff win in 2024.
Photo by: Cricket Jones
In the first game of the evening, the two teams stayed scoreless through two innings before Springville put up a run in the top of the third. They would score two runs in each of the next two innings to make it 5-0 before finishing it off in the seventh with another run while holding the home team scoreless. The Tigers would get a 6-0 win in game one that would, at the very least, force a third game between the two. Carter Samuelson went the distance, allowing five hits and no runs while striking out five batters in the effort. Sean Nichols drove in two runs while Kade Willis, Grant Martinez, and Kevin Jones each drove in another.
With just thirty minutes to get ready, the two teams started the second game of the doubleheader. This one would be a bit closer, but the Tigers would still get the shutout win. A three-run fourth inning would be the difference here as Samuelson singled to shortstop to bring home Martinez, Jake Conner scored on a passed ball and a Nichols single brought home Tanner Oaks. Alex Holland and Ryan King split the mound with Holland going four innings, allowing three hits and no runs with two strikeouts, while King had three innings, no hits, no runs and three strikeouts in the 3-0 win.
Tiger head coach Jonathan Ford said, “Last night was amazing! We went into a hostile environment and really competed well. We were able to pitch it well and make plays behind them. Timely hits and capitalizing on a few miscues. These guys continue to amaze me with their grit and determination.”
The road does not get any easier as the Tigers will now head to Alexandria to take on the 27-9 Valley Cubs, who won their first two against Sardis to advance. The games will take place Tuesday at 5:00 and 7:30 and, if necessary, Wednesday at 6:00.
