Tigers open playoffs with a doubleheader sweep of Southside

For the Enquirer

The top-ranked Hartselle Tigers swept visiting Southside to advance to the second round of the 6A State Playoffs.

Hartselle 3, Southside 1

Jace Meadows pitched a complete game to lead Hartselle to a game one victory. He allowed one run on four hits, while striking out eight.

The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Cruise Baker had a sacrifice fly. Baker had an RBI single by Baker in the third inning. Asher Doepel followed with an RBI double to extend their lead to 3-0. Southside scored a run in the fourth inning but could get no closer.

Ty Marsh finished with two hits, while Easton Nelms scored twice.

Hartselle 10, Southside 1 Marsh finished with hits, including a double, and two RBIs to lead Hartselle in the second game. Nelms singled and drove in two runs, while Braden Weathers doubled, singled and drove in a run.

Connor Stiles pitched four innings to get the win, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out four.

Up next

The Tigers will travel to Birmingham for a Best-of-3 series with Homewood. The Patriots defeated Clay-Chalkville to advance.