Tyler Phillips prepares to swing at a Keegan Thompson fastball. | Brent Maze

No. 6 Hartselle will play East Limestone in a tiebreaker game on Friday for a chance to advance to the Class 5A baseball playoffs, after the Tigers fell to No. 5 Cullman 8-1 in an area game Wednesday.

The Tigers beat Cullman 11-1 in five innings in the second game Wednesday, but the damage was already done.

Cullman ace pitcher Keegan Thompson struck out nine in six innings to get the win in the first game Wednesday. He also went 3-for-4 at the plate, including a three-run home run.

That homer proved to be all that the Bearcats would need, as Hartselle could muster only one run on five hits.

Easton Chenault hit a single in the sixth inning, bringing in Deacon Aldridge to score Hartselle’s only run.

Colton Ord took the loss, despite striking out three in three innings of work. Jake Shelton also struck out two in three innings.

In Game 2, Brett Blackwood a pair of home runs, accounting for five RBIs to help the Tigers thrash Cullman 11-1.

Tanner Oakes and Ord each drove in two runs on their doubles.

Tillman Landers got the win for Hartselle, pitching two scoreless innings.