PHOTO: Cade Willingham slings the heat as the Bears advance to the second round of the State Playoffs. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The Class 3A Plainview Bears defeated the Clements Colts in a doubleheader on Friday night in the first round of the AHSAA State Baseball Tournament.

In the first game, Clements jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. In the bottom of one, Zack Allen drove Cade Willingham in to cut the lead to one.

The Bears tied the game, in the third, when Allen had a RBI double, bringing in Willingham.

On a sacrifice fly by Kline DeWolfe, Kyle Haymon scored from third to five the Bears the 3-2 advantage.

In the fifth, the Bears scared six runs on four hits. The Bears outscored the Colts. 9-3.

Clay Cooper took the win from the mound, pitching the last two innings of the game, only giving up one run, striking out two and walking one. In the first five innings of the game, Tristian Willingham struck out seven and walked one.

In the second game of the series, the Plainview Bears scored first in the top of the second when Timothy White brought in David Springer.

In the sixth innings, Allen led off with double and scored on errors.

In the seventh, Allen brought home Clay Cooper on a single.  Bailey Dukes drove in Cade Willingham with a sacrifice fly to broaden the Bear lead to 9-2.

The Colts mounted their comeback and loaded the bases.  Jordan Wooten took over pitching duties for the Bears and held off Clements to claim their spot in the second round of  State playoffs.

The Plainview Bears will host Area 16 champion Lauderdale County (16-12-1)  at Plainview (14-7), Rainsville, Fri., Apr. 27, 4:30 and 7 p.m. (Sat., if needed, noon).