By Zach Thomas

EAGLEVILLE - Taking only six innings, the Eagleville Eagles defeated the Union City Golden Tornadoes 16-1 on the 2024 Class 1A TSSAA State Baseball Tournament opening day.

Even though ending with a mercy rule, the game was decided on the mound.

Brayden Baker, the 2024 1A Mr. Baseball winner, started on the mound for Eagleville. He finished the game with eight strikeouts, one hit allowed, and one earned run on his 70 pitches across five and two-thirds innings. Of his eight strikeouts, five were the first batter of the inning.

Brody Gleason relieved Baker for one pitch to close the game as Noah Brown caught Chase Chism stealing third base with a throw down to second base for the third out. 

Union City pitched by committee Tuesday night but found little luck. Barrett Cox started on the mound threw three strikeouts, walked seven, and allowed eight hits and nine runs (five earned) on his 101 pitches across his four and one-third innings.

Sam Jones relieved Cox just as the Eagles were getting hot. Jones recorded one strikeout, walked three, and allowed three hits and seven runs (five earned) on his 47 pitches in his one and one-third innings.

Union City (22-12) faces off against South Pittsburg (20-13) Wed., May 22 at 10:00 a.m. to avoid elimination.

The two-time defending state champion Eagleville (30-5) will play Oakdale (23-12) Wed., May 22 at 12:30 p.m.