The Russellville Golden Tigers opened play in the Class 5A baseball state championship series with a 3-1 victory over Pike Road in game one at Montgomery’s Paterson Field.

Emitt Green got the start on the mound for RHS and went 6 1/3 innings for the win, allowing three hits. Reed Hill came on in relief and got the final two outs.

Jackson Lindsey had two doubles and a couple of RBIs to lead the offensive charge. Canyon Pace also picked up an RBI, and Cole Barnett added two hits.

The Golden Tigers will need one win tomorrow out of a possible two games to claim the state title. Game two of the best-of-three series is scheduled for a 10 a.m. first pitch at Riverwalk Stadium tomorrow.