Final.

 

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http://www.allaclassic.org/

Hazard struggled the whole game in this one.

Congrats to the Bearcats. Good luck tomorrow. :thumb:

Walton-Verona (12-14) came into the game against Hazard after losing their last three games. Two by double digits to Grant County and a 3-2 decision to Owen County who has struggled mightly this season. When we talked to Coach McIntyre for the show this week, he said that they were going with Josh Hopperton "Hop" for the game on Saturday. Good thing. Hopperton took control of the game and held Hazard to a 4 hit shutout complete game, earning for the Bearcats a semi-final berth in the All "A" Classic State Tournament against last year's winner, Owensboro Catholic on Sunday afternoon.

 

The scoring got started in the bottom of the first inning when after Michael Martin popped up to the centerfielder, Vance Sullivan walked, stole second and advanced to third on Justin Mersch's single. Mersch stole second while Josh Hopperton reached first on a fielder's choice. Sullivan scored on a throwing error on the Hazard third baseman, Bearcats lead 1-0. Jay White walked, advancing Hopperton to second. Jacob McIntyre singled to center scoring Mersch, Bearcats up 2-0. Josh Hopperton was caught stealing home and Zach Nichter popped up to the first baseman to end the inning.

 

Vance Sullivan would score again, this time in the 3rd inning after doubling to center field on a 3-2 pitch, and coming home on a Jacob McIntyre single to center field. That would be all of the Bearcats runs, but enough as they take the 3-0 win.

 

Jacob McIntyre had 3 of the Bearcats 6 hits in the game and two of the Walton RBI's. Jordan Ponzer and Justin Mersch with a single each and a Vance Sullivan double accounted for the Bearcats hits.

 

Pitching Line for the Bearcats:

 

Josh Hopperton - 7 innings, 0 runs, 4 hits, 0 walks, 5 strike outs, 105 pitches, 72 for strikes.

 

Hazard - 000 000 0 - 0 4 2

Walton-Verona - 201 000 x - 3 6 2

 

Walton-Verona will face Owensboro Catholic this afternoon at 12:30pm at Applebee's Park for the State Semi-Finals. If they win that game, they would face the winner of Lexington Christian/Paintsville for the State Title.