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May 21—JACKSONVILLE — Hartselle just knows how to win.
Whether by scoring a lot of runs or by scoring just enough, this year the Tigers always got it done.
On Thursday they got it done in a big way, as Hartselle finished its 2026 playoff run undefeated, beating Spain Park 2-1 to win the Class 6A state championship. It's the Tigers' 11th state championship in school history.
"We started the year slow against a tough schedule. We were .500 after our first 22 games. Since spring break though, we've won 22 in a row," said Hartselle head coach Brad Phillips. "I think that's a testament to this group of guys. They never let anything affect them."
Game 2 on Thursday was the polar opposite of Game 1. After winning a 9-8 slugfest on Wednesday, Hartselle and Spain Park were tied 1-1 Thursday going into extra innings.
Defined all season by its ability to score runs, Hartselle instead won the decisive game by scoring the go-ahead run with zero hits. The Tigers walked twice and reached on an error to load the bases when Cole Miles drew a bases-loaded walk to give his team a 2-1 lead.
"He was struggling to throw strikes, so I went into it with the mindset that I was going to make him throw me a strike," Miles said. "The count got to 3-2, and I had seen enough pitches that I knew if it was going to be a ball or not.
"It wasn't as flashy as a hit, but you take what you get."
A year after being named MVP of the Class 6A state finals for Hartselle's 10th state championship, senior Asher Doepel shined again. He had a hit and scored both runs in Thursday's game, while also getting the save. He allowed one hit and no runs with one strikeouts in the final two innings. He was named finals MVP for the second year in a row.
Doepel's level-headed calm was crucial for Hartselle down the stretch.
"You just have to block everything out. I was literally telling myself to breathe," Doepel said. "I was just doing what I always do."
Connor Stiles got the win for the Tigers, allowing five hits and a run with four strikeouts in six innings. Miles and Cruise Baker each had an RBI, while Carter Lee and Sam Gillette each had a hit.
— [email protected] or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2
Continue reading...
Whether by scoring a lot of runs or by scoring just enough, this year the Tigers always got it done.
On Thursday they got it done in a big way, as Hartselle finished its 2026 playoff run undefeated, beating Spain Park 2-1 to win the Class 6A state championship. It's the Tigers' 11th state championship in school history.
"We started the year slow against a tough schedule. We were .500 after our first 22 games. Since spring break though, we've won 22 in a row," said Hartselle head coach Brad Phillips. "I think that's a testament to this group of guys. They never let anything affect them."
Game 2 on Thursday was the polar opposite of Game 1. After winning a 9-8 slugfest on Wednesday, Hartselle and Spain Park were tied 1-1 Thursday going into extra innings.
Defined all season by its ability to score runs, Hartselle instead won the decisive game by scoring the go-ahead run with zero hits. The Tigers walked twice and reached on an error to load the bases when Cole Miles drew a bases-loaded walk to give his team a 2-1 lead.
"He was struggling to throw strikes, so I went into it with the mindset that I was going to make him throw me a strike," Miles said. "The count got to 3-2, and I had seen enough pitches that I knew if it was going to be a ball or not.
"It wasn't as flashy as a hit, but you take what you get."
A year after being named MVP of the Class 6A state finals for Hartselle's 10th state championship, senior Asher Doepel shined again. He had a hit and scored both runs in Thursday's game, while also getting the save. He allowed one hit and no runs with one strikeouts in the final two innings. He was named finals MVP for the second year in a row.
Doepel's level-headed calm was crucial for Hartselle down the stretch.
"You just have to block everything out. I was literally telling myself to breathe," Doepel said. "I was just doing what I always do."
Connor Stiles got the win for the Tigers, allowing five hits and a run with four strikeouts in six innings. Miles and Cruise Baker each had an RBI, while Carter Lee and Sam Gillette each had a hit.
— [email protected] or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2
Continue reading...
