OAKWOOD -- Eli Stuart's squeeze bunt scoring Hunter Strange in the top of the eight inning proved to be the game-winner as East Hall knocked off West Hall 4-3 in a crucial Region 7-AAA contest for both teams Saturday.
The Vikings (11-9, 9-4 Region 7-AAA) would not have been in position to win it if not for the solid work of Jonah Crocker on the mound. Crocker pitched out of a no one out, bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh inning with the game tied 3-3. Crocker got a pair of strikeouts sandwiched around a shallow fly out to send the game to extra innings.
The Spartans (7-11, 5-8) had tied the game on a two-run home run from Merritt Gazaway off Viking's Jack Hagwood. Hagwood went six innings allowing three runs and fanned three to get a no decision.
Catcher Jesse Cooper two hits and flashed some leather throwing out a base runner for the final out of the game to seal the win. Cole Smith two hits and five other East Hall batters had one hit on the night.
East Hall next will play host to Fannin County on Monday.
West Hall travels to region-leading Franklin County on Monday.
