With their backs to the wall and facing elimination from the state playoffs, the Springville Tigers won back-to-back games against the Moody Blue Devils not only to clinch a berth but win the Class 5A, Area 11 championship.The Tigers lost to the Blue Devils 7-5 at Moody on April 8. Two days later, at Springville, the Tigers swept Moody in a doubleheader 12-3 and 2-0.
Moody 7, Springville 5
Moody secured a spot in the state playoffs by beating Springville 7-5.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the first but Moody fought back to score three runs in the second inning on a couple of Springville errors and an infield hit by Chris Grant.
Moody padded its lead to 5-1 in the third inning on a two-run single by Drew Peoples.
Moody scored two more runs in the fifth inning on a pass ball and a base hit by Carson Key.
“I was proud of how we played the game,” said Moody coach Ralph Greaux. “We played solid defense, capitalized on their mistakes, and executed our offense with men in scoring position.”
Moody pitcher Nathan Clowdus tossed a complete game scattering nine hits.
“I am glad our players played well and won this game to secure a spot in the state playoffs,” Greaux said. “Our players worked hard and this was one of our goals — making the playoffs. Now we have to keep working hard to stay in it and make a run for the state championship.”
For Springville, Austin Carroll was 2-for-3 with a run scored while Sly Richardson was 2-for-2 with a single, home run and sacrifice fly.
Zach Hilton was the losing pitcher going four and one-third innings giving up three hits and walking seven.
Springville 12, Moody 3
Josh Gibson was a perfect 4-for-4 with three singles and a triple to lead the Tigers to a 12-3 victory over Moody and a berth in the state playoffs. Richardson was 2-for-2 with a single and triple and two RBIs. Eben Leeman had two singles and a double.
Kaleb Johnson was the winning pitcher going all seven innings giving up five hits and three walks while striking out six.
For Moody, Tyler Hamby had a two-run double.
Springville 2, Moody 0
In a game played to decide the area title, Zach Hilton had a triple and a sacrifice fly to drive in both runs for Springville in a 2-0 victory. Josh Gibson was 2-for-3 while Derek Bryant had a double. Richardson was the winning pitcher going six and one-third innings giving up seven hits and striking out seven. Bryant recorded the last two outs on strikeouts to earn the save.
For Moody, Dallas Bostick was 2-for-3 while Scott Everidge, Hamby and Gann each had one hit. Peoples was the losing pitcher giving up nine hits while striking out five.
Springville will host Walker tomorrow in the opening round of the playoffs. The first pitch is at 4:30. If a third game is needed, it will be played Saturday at 1 p.m.
Moody travels to Mortimer Jordan tomorrow.
