By Erik Harris
GARDENDALE – Behind a stellar performance from senior Hunter Davidson, Pinson Valley (30-12) made quick work of host Gardendale (27-11) in the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs.
Davidson launched a pair of solo bombs on his way to a four-RBI outing in the early game, which belonged to the Indians by a count of 6-1. He carried that confidence to the hill in Game 2, tossing a complete game, two-hitter to capture the series sweep 4-0.
After sweeping their way through the first two rounds of postseason play, Pinson Valley awaits the winner of No. 7 Homewood at No. 5 Briarwood Christian. That series begins this evening.
Pinson Valley senior Hunter Davidson delivers a pitch against Clay-Chalkville last season.
file photo by Ron Burkett
Game 1: Pinson Valley 6, Gardendale 1
Senior right-hander Brett Jordan threw the opener for Pinson Valley head coach Shane Chappell. Jordan went the distance, striking out four and walking three.
“It all starts back with the guys on the mound,” Chappell said. “Our guys on the mound have done a phenomenal job. We trust our pitching staff and they do a great job.”
Jordan, and Alabama Southern Community College signee, had the luxury of working with a lead for much of his outing.
Davidson struck for the first time in the top-half of the first, looping a two-out delivery from Jacob Hallmark over the left field wall to take an early 1-0 lead.
“I felt pretty good tonight, just wanted to get up there and find the barrel, good things will happen,” Davidson said.
That lead stuck until Gardendale’s Brady Sellers drove a 3-2 fastball down the left field line, doubling home Zach Cupps to even the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth.
Jordan kept his composure to prevent further damage in the inning. With runners on first and third, the big righty dialed up a strikeout followed by a groundout to strand two Rockets on base.
His offense immediately showed its appreciation, hanging a four-spot in the top of the fifth. Baker Hodge got it started with a nicely executed hit-and-run that set the table for Destin Davidson, who scorched a run-scoring single to the fence.
Destin’s twin brother then squeezed a two-run double by the third baseman before Blake Sisson lined out to center for the final run of the inning.
Pinson Valley senior Baker Hodge
file photo by Ron Burkett
After Jordan worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, Davidson provided him with a little more cushion, slapping a line-drive, no-doubter to the pavement beyond left field. The hit ended the scoring at 6-1.
Game 2: Pinson Valley 4, Gardendale 0
The Indians sent their runs across early and played solid defense.
Pinson Valley left the bases loaded in the first, but Hodge managed to work his way around after starting the game with a single to take a 1-0 advantage.
Hodge struck again in the second inning when he guided a run-scoring single through the infield. The third baseman was then sent home by Hunter Davidson, who flirted with his third home run of the evening off the center field wall to make it 3-0 going into the third.
From the mound, Davidson worked his way through the Gardendale lineup with ease. He retired the first 10 batters he faced before plunking Cupps in the top of the fourth.
Manning Early brought an end to Davidson’s no-hitter in the sixth inning. The senior held the Rockets to a 2-for-22 night at the plate, striking out seven and walking none.
Jacob Brown represented the Indians’ final run off a throwing error in the third.
