A late surge proved to be the difference.
Elizabethton plated nine runs in the final two innings to take a 10-4 victory over Happy Valley on Monday afternoon.
Elizabethton struck first as freshman Corey Russell knocked in Drew Wetzel with a RBI single in the opening side. The Warriors, however, answered as Dylan Townsend scored off a Ryne Baines single to tie the game at 1-1 after an inning of play.
The pitchers, however, settled in as neither team was able to score until the sixth inning. The Cyclones used big hits from Jesse Carr, Logan Estep and Wetzel to plate four runs to take a 5-1 lead heading to the final inning after retiring the Warriors in order.
Elizabethton continued the run in the top of the seventh as Wetzel hit a two RBI double to left field, and Michael Robinson drove in Logan Estep before Ethan Eggleston and Wetzel scored on an HV error. The Warriors, however, refused to go quietly as Skylar Hyatt knocked in Ian Scruggs and Will Hampton crossed homeplate. After a bases loaded walk scored Alton Clark, HV was unable to keep the run alive.
Wetzel led all batters as he went 2-for-5 at the plate with four RBIs, while Brodie Adams and Carr also had 2-for-4 performances for Elizabethton. Hurley, Conley, Baines and Hyatt all recorded RBIs for Happy Valley.
On the mound, Garrett Hartley picked up the win after going five innings with 10 strikeouts. Despite a masterful game, Justin Morefield was handed the loss.
