Stuart defeated Mill Creek 5-2 Thursday afternoon, clinching a return trip to the state tournament for the third consecutive season and the ninth time in program history.
Stuart struck first, scoring 4 runs in the bottom half of the second inning. Dallin Whitaker drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in a run, Cody Cook then followed with a two-run single, and an error from the BullFrogs added another run.
Easton Dominic earned the win on the mound, allowing two runs on two hits over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out two , but did walk five batters, leading to an early exit. Cook then took over in relief and dominated the rest of the way.
He tossed 4 1/3 hitless innings with nine strikeouts and three walks. Cook ended the game striking out seven of the final eight batters he faced, and retired eight straight to snag another regional championship.
Cook also led Stuart offensively with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Here is Cook talking about his big day on both sides of the ball.
The Hornets improved their win total to 26 on the season with just eight total losses, and now look to the state tournament coming up next week. Hornet Head Coach Josh Williams talked post game about the win, and his thoughts on heading back to the big dance for the third straight year.
Stuart will be back in action on May 7th, as they try to win their third baseball state title.