Hayesville Yellow Jackets Dominate Murphy Bulldogs in 17-5 Rout

(Photo by Carissa Daniels) Despite being under the weather, Jackson Sellers gets the win as the starting pitcher for Hayesville.

The Hayesville Yellow Jackets showcased their offensive firepower and pitching depth in a 17-5 thrashing of the Murphy Bulldogs in a Smoky Mountain Conference baseball game on Tuesday, April 29. The game, played at Hayesville, ended after four and a half innings due to the mercy rule.

Junior pitcher Jackson Sellers set the tone on the mound for Hayesville, delivering three stellar innings. Sellers allowed just one hit, walked one, hit a batter, and struck out four to keep the Bulldogs’ bats quiet. Senior Cade Caruso took over in the fourth, working through three walks while fanning two. Brady Reynolds closed out the game in the fifth, navigating two walks and a hit batter while striking out two to seal the victory.

At the plate, Hayesville’s lineup was relentless. Sellers led the way, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBIs, proving his value as a two-way star. Kyle Shaheen, who earlier in the day committed to play at Bob Jones University, contributed two singles, two walks, and an RBI. Chance Hughes also shined, collecting three singles, a walk, and an RBI. The Yellow Jackets’ depth was on full display, with nine of their 10 batters recording at least one hit.

The Bulldogs struggled to keep pace and failed to contain the Yellow Jackets’ explosive offense.

The two teams will meet again to close out the regular season on Thursday, May 1, at 5 p.m. in Murphy. With Hayesville riding high after Tuesday’s dominant performance, the Bulldogs will look to rebound on their home field in what promises to be a heated rematch.