Russellville still alive in state tourney

By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
MOBILE – The Russellville 11-12 All-Stars busted a 2-2 tie Tuesday night to beat Huntsville Eastern 10-2 and stay alive in the Little League state tournament in Mobile.
The Tigers opened the tournament with a 4-3 loss Saturday to Opp. Jordan Gist struck out five and left in the third inning with a 3-0 lead, but Russellville allowed Opp to score four runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
The Tigers pushed across a run in the first to go ahead 1-0. In the third, Caleb Robison brought home Jordan Gist, and Blake Hyde hit a solo home run.
Hyde took the mound against Huntsville Eastern and pitched a complete game to pick up the win. Hyde scattered four hits and three walks, and allowed just two runs with two strikeouts.
With the score tied, Hyde hit a three-run home run to bring in Cameron Harris and Robison. Kelby Hallmark had an RBI fly, and Gist hit an RBI single and scored to put the Tigers ahead 7-2.
In the sixth, Hyde hit an RBI double and Jake Todd knocked in a two-run home run to make the score 10-2.
Gist and Hyde each had two hits, and Todd added three.
"It's usually a different person every night that shines, but they all contribute," said Russellville manager Brett Gist.
Russellville played Opp last night, but results were unavailable at press time. If the Tigers win, they will play the Westside Mobile-Bay Minette winner at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow. Russellville must win Thursday's game, plus another one Friday to win the state title.