Yellow Jackets Advance With Win Over Eagles

The 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference champion Hayesville Yellow Jackets began their march towards a state title on Tuesday, May 9. Familiar opponent Hiwassee Dam came to town for the third game between the teams this season. Just like the previous two meetings, Hayesville dominated and advanced to round 2 with an 11-1 six-inning victory.

Keys to the game:

• Avery Leatherwood drove in Michael Mauney in the first inning to give Hayesville a 1-0 lead.

• Hayesville's bats came alive in the fourth with 3 runs, making the score 4-0.

• Three more Yellow Jackets run in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 7-0.

• The Jackets activate the 10-run rule with 4 runs in the sixth to end the game at 11-1.

• Braxton Cherry went 5 2/3 innings from the mound, giving up 0 runs

Hayesville will now host East Randolph in round 2. The game is currently scheduled for Friday, May 12, but could possibly be moved up to Thursday due to the regional track and field meet.