Tigers shut out Tornadoes in District 6-1A baseball tourney

Union County’s Ayden Elixson (left) slides into third base well ahead of the tag attempt by Bradford’s Carson Knight on a successful steal in the Tigers’ 11-0 District 6-1A quarterfinal win. Photo by Cliff Smelley.

Telegraph Staff Writer

Quinten Rawls drove in two of his three runs in a four-run second inning, while pitcher Tra’von Lee gave up only two hits in the Union County High School baseball team’s 11-0, six-inning win over Bradford in today’s quarterfinal round of the District 6-1A tournament in Fort White.

The second-seed Tigers (12-11) will play either third-seed Fort White or sixth-seed Branford in a semifinal on Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m., also at Fort White.

Bradford (2-17-1) was the tournament’s seventh seed.

Union already led 1-0 when Ayden Elixson led off the bottom of the second with a single to right field. After Eli Rimes reached on an error, Elixson stole third and then scored on an error. Blake Agner walked before the Tornadoes recorded two straight outs. Rawls then hit a two-run single, while an error on the play allowed him to circle the bases and score himself, putting the Tigers ahead 5-0.

Elixson ended the game with a double in the sixth.

Rawls went 2 for 3 with three RBI, while Elixson was 3 for 4 with two RBI.

Lee, Rimes and Riggs Davis each had an RBI.

On the mound, Lee went all six innings, giving up two walks and striking out two.

The Tornadoes’ best chance of manufacturing runs occurred in the fifth inning. Kevin Crawford drew a leadoff walk, followed by a single by Foster Smith. After a fly out, Kacen Thomassen ground into a fielder’s choice, which resulted in Smith being put out at second. A ground out to third with runners on the corners put an end to the threat.

Tra’von Lee earned the win for the Tigers, giving up two hits. Photo by Cliff Smelley.
Bradford’s Foster Smith makes a diving attempt at catching a foul ball in right field. Photo by Cliff Smelley.
Union’s Quinten Rawls slides into second. Bradford’s Mattox Burgin (left) and Luke Stucky (background) are also pictured. Photo by Cliff Smelley.
Bradford third baseman Jonathan Brugh prepares to make a throw. Photo by Cliff Smelley.
Union’s Blake Agner (right) prepares to throw to first as Bradford’s Brady Pearson runs to third. Photo by Cliff Smelley.
Bradford first baseman Kevin Crawford (right) waits on a throw from his catcher as Union’s Blake Agner slides safely back to the bag. Photo by Cliff Smelley.