Yellow Jackets stay in title hunt with win over Murphy

(Photo by Brooke Leatherwood) Cade Caruso fires a pitch in the final inning against Murphy.

After suffering a heart-breaking loss to Murphy earlier in the week, the Hayesville Yellow Jacket varsity baseball team made the short drive to Cherokee County Friday, April 28 looking for revenge. The Jackets were successful in their quest, downing the Bulldogs 7-2.

With the win, Hayesville matches the Bulldogs' 8-1 Smoky Mountain Conference record. With each team holding a win over each other, the Jackets must win both games in the final week of the regular season to guarantee at least a share of the SMC title. Hayesville still has a chance at an outright championship by winning their final pair of games and a Murphy loss.

Key Performances

Avery Leatherwood: 2-4, triple, 2 RBI

Braxton Cherry: 2-3, RBI

Cade Denton: 1-3, RBI

Tate Roberts: 1-4, RBI

Cade Caruso: 6 2/3 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, 5 hits, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts

Hayesville will start their final week of the regular season on Tuesday, May 2 with a trip to Robbinsville. The Jackets will then host the Black Knights Thursday, May 4. Both games are set for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch.