In a decisive performance on Friday, the Hopkinsville Tigers triumphed over the Estill County Engineers with a commanding 5-0 victory in the first round of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop State Tournament. The Tigers’ offensive momentum started early and was complemented by strong pitching, leading to their shutout win and advancing them to the next round.
Hoptown wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the first inning, Gavin Powell set the tone with a double that drove in the first run of the game. This early lead boosted the team’s confidence and set the stage for their subsequent scoring efforts.
Adding to their lead, the Tigers scored again in the third inning. Dylan Sweeney capitalized on a fly ball, tagging up and crossing home plate to make it 2-0. The Tigers’ smart base running and aggressive play paid off, keeping the Engineers on their heels.
The fifth inning saw the Tigers extend their lead significantly. Lucas Kaetzel stepped up and delivered a powerful home run to left field, driving in two runs and bringing the score to 4-0. Kaetzel’s performance was instrumental, as he went 2-for-4 on the day and led the team with two RBIs.
On the mound, Andrew Mayes was stellar for the Tigers. The right-handed pitcher allowed just two hits over five innings while striking out seven and issuing six walks. His efforts earned him the win, effectively shutting down the Engineers’ offense. In the closing innings, JJ Thompson came in to secure the save, preserving the shutout.
For Estill County, Jax Niece took the loss despite a commendable effort. Niece pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs (only two of which were earned) on five hits. He struck out three and walked four batters. Despite the loss, the Engineers showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, with Peyton Riddell and Kyler Chaney leading the way with two walks each.
Offensively, the Tigers tallied nine hits. Alongside Kaetzel, Chase Fort also had a notable performance, collecting two hits and contributing to the team’s consistent offensive pressure. The Tigers’ lineup was effective top to bottom, ensuring that the Engineers’ defense was constantly challenged.
The Engineers managed to collect a few hits, with Bryce Drake, Peyton Riddell, and Hayden Woolery each getting one. However, they struggled to convert these opportunities into runs, largely due to Mayes’ dominant pitching and the Tigers’ solid defense.
In a well-rounded and disciplined performance, the Hopkinsville Tigers showcased their strength both at the plate and on the mound, securing a well-earned victory over the Estill County Engineers. With this win, the Tigers advance to the next round of the state tournament, where they will face Owensboro Catholic tomorrow at 5:00 PM EST. The Tigers will look to carry their momentum forward and continue their winning streak in the tournament.
