The Certa-Bearden Classic began Thursday at West Orange-Stark High School. The first game saw the Hardin-Jefferson Hawks beat the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears 10-3 at Ronnie Anderson Park.
Games are being played with a two-hour time limit. Little Cypress-Mauriceville was the designated visitor in the game. The Bears kept the game close until the Hawks erupted for six runs in the bottom of the fifth which stretched the inning to the time limit.
Hardin-Jefferson took the early lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first that featured three doubles by the Hawks. The Bears would tie the game with a two-out rally in the third that was climaxed by a two-run homerun by Ashton Landry over the left centerfield fence.
The Hawks retook the advantage with a run in the bottom of the third. Leadoff batter Landon McLeod who scored after a double in the first inning walked to begin the third and scored on a single to right by Max Brown.
The game was tied at 3-3 when LC-M scored in the top of the fourth. Dean Reynolds was hit by a pitch to start the inning and was moved to second on a sacrifice by Reid Deco. Gunner Johnson brought Reynolds home with a double to the fence in right centerfield.
For the third time Hardin-Jefferson took the lead scoring in the bottom half of the fourth. Jacob Weldon grounded a single to center with two outs, stole second, and scored on Hunter Fontenot’s single to left.
Bears’ starting pitcher Landry walked the Hawks’ Kevin Borque to start the fifth inning. He was relieved by Zach McNeil. The next five Hawk batters reached base leading eventually to six runs to wrap up the victory for Hardin-Jefferson.
Little Cypress-Mauriceville plays Buna in the Certa-Bearden Classic on Friday at 1:30 PM. The Bears finish their action in the tournament with a game Saturday at 4:30 PM versus Jasper.
The tournament includes host West Orange-Stark and Orangefield. The Mustangs have games at 6:30 PM on Thursday and Friday before concluding their games at 7:00 PM on Saturday. Orangefield played immediately following the LC-M and Hardin-Jefferson game. The Bobcats play at 4:00 PM on Friday and at 11:30 AM on Saturday.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
LCM 0 0 2 1 0- 3
HJ 2 0 1 1 6- 10
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