Golden Tigers tame Etowah, continue postseason

Russellville’s batting and pitching strengths took turns being on display over the weekend as the Golden Tigers moved past Etowah in the second round playoff matchup.

Game one of the series saw Russellville jump out to a huge 7-0 lead in the first inning before adding four and five more runs in the third and fourth innings respectively.

“That first game was explosive,” Russellville Head Coach Chris Heaps said. “Our bats were going for us and we just jumped on them from the beginning.”

Austin Bohannon lead the way with three hits as Judd Ward tallied four RBIs during the opening game of the series.

Cody Greenhill put together five solid innings for the Golden Tigers on their way to a 16-3 win.

Game two was a pitching duel between the two 5A teams.

Jacob Green, the senior pitcher for Russellville, kept zeroes on the board for Etowah as Russellville held on to a one-run lead for the duration of the game.

“Green was really impressive in that second game,” Heaps said. “He really pitched well and to see him string those innings together and not give up a run is really impressive to me.”

Greenhill went seven innings allowing no runs on five hits. Landon Oliver had the lone RBI for the Golden Tigers in the deciding game of the series.

“Pitching is the strength of this team right now,” Heaps said. “We do hit the ball well, but the offensive production comes in streaks. Our pitchers are really locking it down at this point in the season.”

Heaps said he likes his team’s chances of making it to Montgomery.

“The matchup with East Limestone is going to be interesting,” Heaps said. “They are not the same team they were earlier in the season when we beat them. They are obviously hot right now.

“If we play the way we know we can then I don’t think it matters who we play,” Heaps said. “What matters is how we play going forward.”

The Russellville Golden Tigers take on East Limestone at home May 1 in the third round of the 5A baseball playoffs.