A first-inning offensive explosion by University Heights Academy sent the Blazers to a 12-2, five-inning Region 2 Baseball Tournament win over visiting Union County Monday afternoon.
The Blazers (19-10) advance to play Trigg County, which blew out Madisonville-North Hopkins 8-0 in the first game Monday at Chris Simmons Field. The Blazers and Wildcats are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. today in the semifinals at Lee S. Jones Park in Eddyville.
UHA didn’t waste any time on Monday as Courtland Gibson set the tone with a leadoff single on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning. Cadence Gibson followed with a single and Hayden Hunt walked to load the bases.
Aiden Jones walked to force in the first run of the game and then Eli Finch’s infield hit allowed another run to score. Jackson Flynn followed with a two-run single and UHA led 4-0.
Jaiden Miles followed Flynn with a three-run blast over the left-field wall and chased Union County pitcher Coltin Capps.
Union (14-18) fought back with a run in the second as Garrett Shouse singled and went to second on a passed ball before Braden Greenwell singled him home to cut the lead to 7-1.
UHA made it 8-1 in the bottom of the second as Hunt walked and stole second base. He took third on a throwing error and scored on a fly ball by Jones.
The Braves made it 8-2 in the third as Will Bolden singled and stole second. A fielder’s choice moved him to third and he scored on a fly ball to left field.
The Blazers pushed the led to 10-2 in the fourth inning as Jones reached on an error and Finch bunted to reach first base. Flynn Walked and Miles brought in his fourth RBI of the game with a bases-loaded walk. Josh Pace walked to score another run.
UHA ended the game in the fifth when Cadence Gibson singled and moved to second on a passed ball. Hunt doubled down the third base line to score Gibson. Hunt then scored on a single by Finch after Jones had walked.
Cadence Gibson led the Blazers at the plate with a pair of hits. Jones, Finch, and Flynn each drove in a pair of runs.
Pace picked up the win for UHAas he went 4 1/3 innings, striking out eight, walking three, and allowing only three hits. Bryson Turner came in to close out the game.
Score by Innings:
Union County 011 00 – 2 3 2
University Heights 710 22 – 12 9 2
WP – Pace
Leading Hitters: UHA – Co. Gibson (1B), Ca. Gibson (2 1B), Hunt (2B), Finch (3 1B); Flynn (1B), Miles (HR, 4 RBI).
Photos by Jeff Sisk