The Russell County Laker baseball team advanced to the 16th district championship game Monday night as they defeated Clinton County 7-0 at Wesley Radford Field in Burkesville.

The win sends them to Wednesday's district title game against Cumberland County, a game which ended too late for this edition.

"I knew going in Clinton County would be fired up," said Laker head coach David Rexroat. "Early on in the second inning we made an adjustment, we told them to get up on the plate and take that inside pitch away because the same pitcher pitched against us at home. He was affective inside and out."

Rexroat said by taking the inside pitch away it rattled the Bulldog's pitcher and the Lakers were able to score several runs on some walks early on to take a 3-0 lead.

"We were also able to get some hits here and there," Rexroat said of the game's winning pitcher. "I was very pleased with Tyler Robertson on the mound; it was good to have him back. He pitched 52 pitches in five innings."

Overall, Rexroat said both first baseman Jared Coffey and second baseman Blake Aaron played well defensively as Robertson threw the ball hard and made opportunities for the right side of the infield to take advantage and get some outs. He also lauded shortstop Taylor Hutchison and third baseman Martin Cross on their defensive performances as well.

"I was very pleased with our defense, we shut them down and that's a plus," Rexroat said. "We've just got to come back and be ready to play Wednesday."

Russell County played host Cumberland County Wednesday night and that game will be chronicled in next Thursday's edition. The Lady Laker softball team played Clinton County in their opening round district tourney game Wednesday and will be featured in a later edition.