A heat index over 100 degrees did not keep family and fans from supporting their 13-14-year-old Smith County All Stars in Greenville, Tennessee, for the Little League State Tournament this past weekend. Five teams played in the tournament, including: Clarksville (District 9), Murfreesboro (District 7), New Tazewell (District 6), Morristown (District 4), and Smith County (District 2). The Smith County team was coached by: Terry Briggs, Scott Clemons and Jake O’Neal. Players included: Barrett Briggs, Hunter Clemons, Layton Cripps, Charlie Hopper, Hunter Mann, Noah Murray, Ashton Phillips, Kolby Sloan, Lawson Underwood, Andrew Vaden, Coby Williams, and Ethan Young.
Smith County went 3-2 to finish 2nd in the Little League State Tournament.
Saturday, July 23, 12 pm – Smith County shuts out New Tazewell, 18-0
Sunday, July 24, 11 am — Smith County falls to Morristown, 12-0
Monday, July 25, 4 pm – Smith County defeats New Tazewell, 17-5
Tuesday, July 26, 8 pm — Smith County tops Clarksville Northwest, 5-3
Wednesday, July 27, 9 pm — Smith County eliminated by Morristown, 10-2
With a home district advantage and first day victory, Morristown plays three games to win the Little League State Tournament Title.
Saturday, July 23, 3 pm – Morristown defeats Smith County, 12-0
Monday, July 25, 7 pm – Morristown tops Clarksville, 8-6
Wednesday, July 27, 10 am — Morristown takes State Title over Smith County, 10-2
July 23 – Smith County vs New Tazewell (W 18-0)
Smith County jumps on New Tazewell early and coasts to an 18-0 win. With 12 runs in the first three innings, District 2 Smith County left no doubt about the eventual outcome. Hunter Mann led with a flawless effort at the plate and teamed up with Barrett Briggs, Noah Murray and Lawson Underwood to allow only two hits late in the game. A strong defense, also led by Hunter Mann’s eight put-outs, kept New Tazewell from scoring.
Hunter Clemons led the offense with three hits, including a double and two singles. Barrett Briggs had three hits, including a triple and two singles. Hunter Mann had two hits, including a double and a single. Charlie Hopper, Andrew Vaden, Noah Murray, and Lawson Underwood each had a single.
July 24 – Smith County vs Morristown (L 12-0)
Game highlights included no hits allowed in the 2nd inning and first third of the 3rd inning by relief pitcher Barrett Briggs. Lawson Underwood was the only player to hit a single, putting Layton Cripps in scoring position but unable to cross the plate. Morristown had an almost flawless defense which kept blooper hits in the infield from generating points. Errors plagued Smith County’s defense and vexed their hitting ability, which allowed Morristown to shut down Smith County in five innings.
July 25 – Smith County vs. New Tazewell (W 17-5)
In the first elimination game, Noah Murray blasted two solo in-the-park home runs in the 1st and 2nd inning. He went 3-4 with four RBIs and four runs scored. Early defensive blunders by New Tazewell and an aggressive Smith County offensive effort foretold the 17-5 outcome, with Smith County winning after 7 innings.
Other hitters included Lawson Underwood with two doubles and a single, Barrett Briggs with two doubles, Hunter Clemons with two singles, and Hunter Mann, Andrew Vaden and Cody Williams each with a single.
July 26 — Smith County vs. Clarksville Northwest (W 5-3)
Smith County finally secured the last of five lead changes in the 4th inning of a back and forth affair against Clarksville. A 5-3 victory allowed Smith County to continue their quest to be State Champions.
Hunter Mann baffled 27 Clarksville batters, striking out nine batters, allowing only two runs, three hits and one walk over seven innings.
Cody Williams had two hits (a single & double), Noah Murray had two hits (both singles), and Lawson Underwood, Barrett Briggs, Andrew Vaden, and Hunter Clemons each had one single. Ethan Young also scored after reaching on an error.
July 27 — Smith County vs. Morristown (L 10-2)
Smith County was out pitched in their final appearance against Morristown. Pitcher Jared Coffey and a practiced defense sat down seven of the first nine batters. Smith County was afflicted with errors and could not rally after a three inning, 4-0 lead by Morristown. Smith County managed to score in the bottom of the 3rd and hold Morristown to four runs in the 4th inning. But miscalculations in pitching and fielding allowed Morristown to continue to score in the 5th and 6th innings, while Smith County could not get their bats hot enough to rally a come-back.
Hunter Mann, Lawson Underwood and Charlie Hopper each hit singles
