Belgreen punches way into playoffs

The Belgreen Bulldogs pummeled the Tharptown Wildcats in two straight games to sweep their way into the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

Belgreen (13-12; 2-2) beat Tharptown 12-3 and 19-3 to earn the runner-up spot in Class 2A Area 14. The Bulldogs will travel to Pleasant Valley for first-round playoff action. They will play Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday, if necessary, at 2 p.m., at Ohatchee High School.

Ty Hamilton gave up just two hits, one earned run and struck out eight through five innings of work to lead Belgreen to the opening win in the two-game series.

Belgreen scored 12 runs on just eight hits. Easton Mitchell and Cayden Porter had two hits each. Mitchell had a RBI and scored twice. Porter had two RBIs and scored once. Colton Ashton, Rush Berryman, and Braden Hamilton all scored two runs each for the Bulldogs.

Despite scoring two runs, Ashton went hitless for the first time in over 20 games, ending his streak.

In game two, the Belgreen scored 19 runs on 15 hits.

Ashton collected five hits, n RBI and scored three runs in the second game. He was also one of six Bulldogs who doubled in the game. The others were Braden Hamilton, Porter, Ethan Dawson, Mitchell, and Ty Hamilton.

Mitchell and Porter each had four RBIs. Ashton, Braden Hamilton, and Porter scored three runs each. Dawson and Z Wilson scored two runs each.

Ashton got the win on the mound for Belgreen allowing just three hits, one earned run while striking out eight.