Helena Faces Hazel Green In State Championship

MONTGOMERY, AL - The state championship match-ups for the 2018 baseball season have been set, and Helena High School will get to defend its 6A title this weekend in Montgomery against Hazel Green.

Leading up to their semifinal series, the Huskies had cruised through the playoffs, earning sweeps in each of their series. However, Helena dropped the first game of its semifinal series against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 6-1 before rebounding with two straight wins (9-2 and 6-4).

Huskies pitcher Josh Daugherty came in to the game in relief and preserved the Game Three win. The senior reliever took over with two on in the sixth and retired the side. In the seventh, Hillcrest got two singles, a double, a fielder’s choice, and a pick-off left two runners on with two outs. Daugherty struck out Hillcrest's Patrick Hollyhand to end the threat.

Hazel Green defeated Cullman in the semifinals, 2 games to 1.

The Huskies will play Game One of the series Thursday night at 7 p.m at Patterson Field in Montgomery. Game Two will be played at Riverwalk Stadium Friday at 4 p.m., and Game Three (if necessary) will be played at Riverwalk Saturday.

Photo from Helena Baseball