By Staff
Gulf Coast captured the state championship of the Advanced Babe Ruth 16-year-old division Sunday at T.R. Miller High School with a 10-3 victory over Covington County.
Gulf Coast outscored its three tournament foes, Brewton, Smiths Station and Covington County, by a combined 31-9 margin.
Gulf Coast was never threatened in Sunday's championship game, as it jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the first two and a half innings.
Gulf Coast leadoff man Logan Kirkland was on base four times with a pair of hits, a walk and a hit batsman to go along with two runs scored. Randall Hodges added a pair of singles and a walk to go along with two runs scored. Jacob Hyde added a double and scored a run.
Five Gulf Coast pitchers combined on a five-hitter with five strikeouts. Hyde allowed three hits and one run over the first three innings to get the win.
Matt Bond and Kyle Nolen both had a single and scored a run to lead Covington County.
Brewton 13s, 14s start state play today
The complete state tournament schedule has been announced for the Brewton Babe Ruth 13 and 14-year-old All-Stars.
The 13s are playing their tournament at Huntsville. Brewton's games are today at 5 p.m. against West Alabama, Thursday at 12 noon against Etowah County and 6:30 p.m. against South Huntsville and Friday at 6:30 p.m. against Cottage Hill.
The semifinals are Sunday at 1 p.m. with the championship game set for 4 p.m.
The 14s are playing their state tournament at Sylacauga. Brewton's games are today at 1 p.m. against Alexander City and at 6 p.m. against Semmes and Friday at 10:30 a.m. against West Alabama and at 3:30 p.m. against Huntsville.
The semifinals will be Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. followed by the championship game at 7 p.m.