May 28, 2024

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franklin county times

RHS GOLDEN TIGERS TAKE STATE BASEBALL TITLE

By Brannon King

Published 1:16 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2021

They did it: The Golden Tigers are state champs again.

The Russellville team 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 Monday night. They followed that with a 3-2 victory Tuesday morning at Riverwalk Stadium to claim the state title.

In game one, 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.

In game two, Pike Road got off to a quick 2-0 lead in game two before the Golden Tigers were able to cut the lead.
With the bases loaded, John-David Bishop was hit by a pitch to bring Nick Smith to score and give Russellville its first points of the day.
In the bottom of the sixth Barnett tripled to put the tying run on third.
Andrew Hatton added another triple to bring Barnett to the plate and tie the game.
Grayson Thorpe added a bunt to bring Hatton home and give Russellville the lead going into the final inning.

“What an amazing ride this has been for this team!” Russellville City Schools posted to its Facebook page. “We are so proud of their grit, determination and perseverance! These boys love the game, but they love each other more, and it shows!”

Social media was flooded with congratulatory posts Tuesday for the hometown Golden Tigers, who were also state champs in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

According to RCS’ page, Russellville’s Barnett was named MVP of state title game.

Visit www.franklincountytimes.com and pick up a copy of next week’s Franklin County Times for complete state championship coverage.

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