Huffman wins over Liberty 6-1 in 20-4A play

HUFFMAN — Ryder Miller pitched a three-hitter on Tuesday night at home, and the Huffman Falcons grabbed a 6-1 win over Liberty in a big 20-4A contest.

With the win, the Falcons clinched the district championship, while the Panthers are still looking to secure the fourth spot in district and a trip to the state playoffs.

Miller struck out eight and did not allow a base runner until Caden Mullinix singled in the fourth inning. Mullinix then stole second base and moved to third on a balk before being stranded.

Huffman scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning to move in front 3-0. The score stayed there until the sixth, when the Falcons put up three more runs. The damage could have been more if not for a nice catch at third base by Leyton Kirkland to end the inning.

Liberty put up their best threat in the seventh inning. Ethan Hofmeister singled and then Grady Silva walked. Kenan Clevenger followed with a single, and Hofmeister would score on the errant throw, cutting the deficit to 6-1.

Miller would induce a double play on the next atbat, giving the Panthers just one more out to work with. Miller got the final out of the game and Huffman was a winner.

Silva started for Liberty, pitched three innings, and struck out two. Casper Eckols pitched two and 2/3 of an inning and had three strikeouts, while Cade Carter came in for an out.

The Panthers will get their chance at Huffman again on Friday night at home. Game time is set for 7 pm.