The Hartselle Tigers are roaring once again. For the fifth time in six seasons, this powerhouse program has punched its ticket to the Class 6A state baseball championship. On Thursday, they celebrated their state-record 23rd Final Four appearance by sweeping Hazel Green in dominant fashion, winning 5-3 and 8-4. Now, they’re just two wins away from claiming their second consecutive state title and the 11th in school history.
"It means a lot to represent the 'H' in another state championship," said senior Cain Falciani. "We have the best fanbase and the best community, and we're super excited to get to try to bring another blue map home."
The Class 6A state finals kick off Wednesday with Game 1 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford at 11 a.m. Game 2 and a potential Game 3 will follow Thursday at Jacksonville State University, starting at 10 a.m. For a team that thrives on resilience, the stage is set for another classic showdown.
Game 1: Hartselle 5, Hazel Green 3
There's something about a comeback that ignites the Tigers. Entering Thursday, Hartselle had trailed in four of their last five playoff games—and they've won every single one. Game 1 was no exception. After falling behind 3-0, the Tigers flipped the script in dramatic fashion.
"That's what we're made of—grit," Falciani said. "Doesn't matter if it's 10-0, 4-0 or 1-0, you're never going to get rid of us. When we went down 3-0, you could look around the dugout and tell that everyone knew we were about to come back."
Hazel Green jumped ahead with a two-run homer in the third and added another run in the fourth. But Hartselle answered in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game on RBI hits from Falciani, Sam Gillette, and Asher Doepel. Later in the inning, Doepel and Braden Weathers crossed the plate to give the Tigers a lead they'd never surrender.
"These guys have seen everything throughout their career—the good, the bad, and the ugly," head coach Brad Phillips said. "When you have a team that has that much experience, nothing fazes them."
Falciani and Gillette each tallied two hits and an RBI, while Cole Miles added two hits of his own. On the mound, Barrett McKelvey earned the win, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three. Phillips credited McKelvey's poise after surrendering the early home run.
"The home run wasn't even his fault, it was mine," Phillips said. "He was throwing good stuff, and I just put it in a spot I knew I shouldn't have. But coming back strong after giving up a big hit is something he's done all year, and he came up huge for us today."
Game 2: Hartselle 8, Hazel Green 4
In the nightcap, Hartselle built a commanding 4-1 lead after four innings. Hazel Green mounted a late rally, but the Tigers held firm to seal the sweep and punch their ticket back to the state finals. With a mix of veteran leadership and relentless determination, Hartselle is once again proving why they're a dynasty in Alabama high school baseball.