Logan Smiley got Caldwell County off to the start they wanted in the All A Classic semifinals, homering on the second pitch he saw in the first inning. Smiley’s blast sparked a 5-run first inning and helped the Tigers beat Livingston Central 8-3 Tuesday in Dawson Springs.
The Tigers will play Crittenden County in Thursday’s championship game.
After Smiley cleared the right field fence. Hunter Newsom followed with a triple. Two walks loaded the bases, and Jamus Carneyhan followed with a third walk to plate a run. Collin Whittington cleared the bases with a two-out double for a 5-0 Caldwell lead.
Ben Goodaker pitched around trouble all night for the Tigers, leaving the bases loaded full of Cardinals in the second. A misplayed fly ball in the fifth off the bat of Daniel Ramage scored Livingston’s first run.
Caldwell loaded the bases in the fifth inning and scored three runs on a passed ball and error.
Caldwell’s defense helped Goodaker along with two double plays, including one in the sixth inning after Livingston Central loaded the bases with one out.
After Ramage scored two runs with two outs in the seventh inning, Smiley came on in relief to get a strikeout and end the game.
Livingston outhit Caldwell 8-4, but Cardinal pitchers issued 12 walks in the game.
Goodaker allowed three earned runs and eight hits while striking out seven to get the win.
Livingston dropped to 2-6 and will host Hopkins County Central Friday.
Caldwell evened its record at 3-3 and will play Crittenden County in Thursday’s championship game at 6 pm in Dawson Springs.
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