Double elimination pays off once again 

 

LANDRUM—On Wednesday May 8, the Landrum Cardinals played Andrew Jackson High School for the Upper State Baseball Championship. On Saturday May 4, the Cardinals traveled to Kershaw, South Carolina where they played the Volunteers of Andrew Jackson. The Cardinals defeated the Volunteers on Saturday and advanced through the winners bracket.  

Andrew Jackson was forced to play Blacksburg High School on Monday night as they aimed to advance through the losers bracket. The Volunteers were able to defeat Blacksburg and earn the right to play Landrum for the Upper State Championship. 

The Cardinals were a game up on the Volunteers after defeating them over the weekend and only needed one win over them in the series to advance. The Volunteers put up a good fight in game one, they converted several runs on unforced errors and saw themselves take a huge lead over the Cardinals early on. The Cardinals had a late rally in game one that inspired hope in the fans but ultimately suffered a 13-7 defeat.  

The Volunteers made it clear that they would not go down without a fight. The Cardinals were able to clear their heads and go into game two with everything to play for. With the Upper State Championship on the line the Cardinals were able to dig deep and find a second gear.  

In game two of the series the Cardinals scored eight runs while only allowing Andrew Jackson to bring in a single run. The Cardinals walked out of game two with an 8-1 victory and the Upper State Championship. The Cardinals improved their season record to 26 wins with only 3 losses.  

This is the eighth Upper State Championship in the history of the Cardinals program and the first one they have won in over a decade. The Cardinals last Upper State Title came in 2007.  

On Saturday May 11, the Cardinals will face Oceanside Collegiate Academy for the State Championship. The State Championship will be decided by a best two out of three game series. The Cardinals will host game one this Saturday, game two will be held at Oceanside Collegiate Academy. If a third game is needed to decide the series it will be held at a neutral ground.  

By Samuel Robinson 

Sam.robinson@tryondailybulletin.com