> SOUTHERN INDIANA — In a battle of two of the best 11-12 Little League All-Star teams in Indiana, Jeff/GRC held off a late New Albany charge to earn a big 4-2 District V tournament victory Friday at Charlestown Little League Park.

Behind a stellar performance from Jeff starter Bradley Benton, Jeff led 4-0 heading into the sixth and final frame.

New Albany’s Chase Rudy led off the sixth inning with a home run off of Benton. After Reece Davis flew out, Logan Conrad singled. An Alex Lozado base hit and a Marissa Jones walk loaded the bases with two outs.

New Albany’s Jonah Boone then brought home Ryan Robison with a single off of Jeff reliever Bailey Falkenstein to make it 4-2. But Falkenstein got New Albany’s Zach Hubbard to line out to Gabe Gallahar at second base to end the game.

“They got on us early and we hung in there,” New Albany manager Jason Hubbard said.

It’s likely that Jeff (2-0) and New Albany (1-1) will meet again in the championship game, which is scheduled for July 15. As 11-year-olds a year ago, GRC’s squad won the state championship. New Albany has four players remaining from last year’s 11-12 team that reached the state semifinals.

“We have a lot of baseball left to play, but I think we have a good chance to get there,” Hubbard said. “Jeff and New Albany is always a battle. It will be worth coming out to watch for sure.”

“I’ve seen the state finals the last three years and there is no doubt that New Albany has one of the best teams in the state,” Jeff/GRC coach Brent Falkenstein said. “And, of course, we’re the defending state champions, so obviously I’m bullish on us.”

Jeff, which scored 21 runs in its first District V outing against Highlander Youth Recreation, drew first blood Friday with a two-run first inning off of Jones. Timmy Borden, who reached on a fielder’s choice, scored on an error and Gabe Bierman followed with a two-out RBI single that plated Gallahar, who pinch ran for Benton.

Jones struck out five of the next six batters she faced until giving up a walk to Benton. Following a wild pitch, Bierman blasted a Jones pitch off of the top of the right-center fence that allowed Benton to come around to make it 3-0.

In her complete-game performance, Jones struck out seven and allowed just four runs on nine hits.

“Marissa pitched well,” Hubbard said. “There’s no question Jeff is a great hitting team. They’re the defending state champions and that speaks for itself. They’re not going to sneak up on anyone.”

Benton was equally strong, striking out four and giving up six hits — five of which were singles — in the win.

“I thought Bradley did a great job,” Falkenstein said. “New Albany has a great lineup. They can really slug it. To hold them to two runs is really good pitching.”

Falkenstein went 3-for-3, including his third home run in two District V games. He’s 7-for-7 in the tournament with four extra-base hits.

“We expect it from Bailey, but it’s not easy what he’s doing,” said Brent Falkenstein, his father and coach. “I feel like he’s dialed in. I hope he can continue that.”

Bierman went 2-for-3, had two of Jeff’s three RBIs and reached base in all three of his plate appearances.

“Gabe’s doing an exceptional job so far,” Brent Falkenstein said. “I’m pleased with his performance.”

It wasn’t all good news for GRC. Brent Falkenstein learned following the game that he will receive a two-game suspension for failing to allow Gallahar to bat.

Hubbard protested the Jeff coach’s oversight, believing that it may give his team the victory. When he was informed that it would instead result in Falkenstein’s suspension, Hubbard and his staff attempted to rescind the protest. However, District V president Shelly Gaither said the protest could not be rescinded once it had been filed.

“We’re good friends and they’re class acts,” Falkenstein said of New Albany’s coaching staff. “They tried to be gracious, but it is what it is.”

New Albany will face Scott County at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by Jeff/GRC against Charlestown at 8 p.m.



11-12 SOFTBALL

• Jeff/GRC downs Charlestown: Jennah Tincher went 4-for-5 to lead Jeff/GRC past Charlestown, 19-10.

Also for Jeff/GRC (1-1), Meghan Lay was 3-for-4, Brianna Hudson went 2-for-2 and Amy Steinmetz was 2-for-3. Juliette Schuur was the winning pitcher.

For Charlestown (1-2), Erin Blackwell and Hannah Vincent each were 2-for-3.

Jeff/GRC will face Clarksville at 8 tonight. Charlestown will play New Albany at 8 tonight.

Results from Friday’s 11-12 baseball game between Silver Creek and Scott County and the 13-year-old baseball contest between Charlestown and New Albany were not reported at press time.

Staff writer Kevin Harris contributed to this report.