By Michael Lindsay
The Upperman Bees are back in the District 7/AAA baseball championship game and Region 4/AAA tournament following their 10-0 victory over Livingston Academy in the winner’s bracket Saturday morning.
“We’ve got a list of 8 goals we set at the beginning of the year,” said Upperman head coach Wes Shanks. “The second box was to clinch region, and that was the mindset today. That’s why these guys were so zoned in. It’s a sense of accomplishment; we’re going to move on from that to a district title.”
Upperman standout pitcher Eli Huddleston surrendered only 1 hit and struck out 8 batters in 5 shutout innings Saturday.
“That’s what you get,” Shanks said. “He’s Mr. Consistent; he’s going to strike out a lot of guys and work quickly. He gives our fielders and batters confidence because it’s more relaxed. Our fielders also give him confidence.”
Upperman did their damage on 6 hits, led by Huddleston who went 2-3 with a double and 4 RBIs.
The Bees wasted no time taking control Saturday as they scored 5 runs in the bottom of the first inning.
“That was a focus for our guys this morning, but they understood what was at stake,” Shanks said. “We’ve got to start early and get the thing going. I’m pleased with and proud of their effort.”
A Huddleston single to right scored Justin Fallon and Caden Shanks to start the inning. An Alec Wilson grounder scored Huddleston before a Julina Llano double to right scored two runs to give the Bees a 5-0 advantage after one.
Upperman plated two runs in the bottom of the second to lead 7-0 and added one run in each inning after to pick up a run-rule victory in the bottom of the fifth, 10-0.
The Bees will take the field next in Tuesday’s district championship game. Stone Memorial, Livingston Academy and Macon County are all still alive in the loser’s bracket and will play Monday for a chance to face Upperman on Tuesday. Stone and Macon will play at 4 p.m. with the winner facing LA at 7.
