Jackson Smith pitches against Russellville Friday afternoon. | Brent Maze

RUSSELLVILLE – Hartselle took advantage of timely hitting to sweep Russellville in the first round of the playoffs Friday night.

With the win, the Tigers will either host Muscle Shoals or travel to Cullman on Friday for the second round of the playoffs.

The Tigers out hit the Golden Tigers 19-10 in the two-game series. Blake Slayton had a home run in each game while Colton Ord drove in two runs in each game.

In the first game, Jackson Smith had one of hits best outings of the season, allowing just one earned run on five hits with nine strikeouts.

After allowing Russellville to get on the board in the fourth inning, coach Jerry Childers made a quick visit to the mound to talk with the South Carolina signee. From that point on, however, Smith and his defense didn’t allow Russellville to strike again.

The key inning for Hartselle was the fifth inning. The Tigers struck for five runs. Ord drove in the first on a fielder’s choice.

Tanner Oakes scored on a balk followed by Slayton’s two-run home run. Tanner Phillips hit deep fly ball, which was dropped by the center fielder. That allowed Zane Hamlett to score from first base.

Ord drove in another run in the top of the sixth inning.

Brett Blackwood, Chris Brown and Slayton had two hits apiece for the Tigers. Slayton and Ord both had two RBIs.

Tillman Landers pitched the first four and one-third innings to get the win in Game 2. He allowed two earned runs on two hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

Deacon Aldridge then came on to get the by pitching the last two innings, allowing one earned runs on a hit and three walks with three strikeouts. He also got a leadoff triple, reached base twice on walks and scored two times, both on passed balls.

Tyler Phillips led the hitting with a 3-for-4 effort and driving in three runs. Ord was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Slayton also had a solo home run.