Hewitt-Trussville Varsity Baseball punched their ticket to the state championship series in dominant fashion Saturday night, defeating Thompson 7-1 at HTHS behind a complete team effort on both sides of the ball. 

The Huskies wasted no time taking control of the game, manufacturing runs in the bottom of the second inning. Sawyer Jackson drew a walk to bring in the first run before Jace Riggan lifted a sacrifice fly to extend the lead. Moments later, another run crossed the plate on a balk, giving Hewitt-Trussville a 3-0 advantage and energizing the packed home crowd.

The offense kept rolling in the third inning when Andrew Walker ripped a two-run double down the left field line, stretching the Huskies' lead and putting pressure on Thompson early.

On the mound, Cale McIntosh delivered another outstanding performance for Hewitt-Trussville. The left-hander worked 6.1 strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out eight batters. McIntosh kept Thompson off balance all night, attacking the strike zone and shutting down scoring opportunities. Rylan Clark came on in relief to help close out the win.

The Huskies' lineup stayed productive throughout the game, collecting nine total hits. Blake Bales, Walker, and Taylor Alfano each recorded two hits, while Riggan, Walker, Wes Hardy, Alfano, and Jackson all drove in runs. Hewitt-Trussville also showed patience at the plate with seven walks, led by Riggan, Hardy, and Jackson with two each.

Thompson was led offensively by Wyatt Williams, who finished 2-for-4, while Austin Barnett drove in the Warriors' lone run.

With the win, the Huskies continue their postseason run in impressive fashion, combining timely hitting, disciplined at-bats, and dominant pitching to earn a spot on the biggest stage.

Hewitt-Trussville will now face Auburn in the AHSAA State Championship Series next week. The series is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, as the Huskies battle for a state title.