By Brian Millican | Special to the Advertiser

Chilton County High School’s baseball team returned to area play on Tuesday as it hosted a single game matchup against Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa.

In Class 6A Area 6, Chilton County and Hillcrest typically find that their matchups eventually determine who wins the area championship. Both teams were 2-0 in area play coming into the game.

The game was scoreless until the third inning. Hillcrest plated one run in the top of the inning, but Dustin Cleckler led off with a double for the Tigers and came around to score when Dustin Langston grounded into a fielder’s choice.

The teams swapped runs again in the fourth inning as a bases loaded walk gave the Patriots a temporary lead.

However, Corbin Bice walked and eventually scored when Cleckler grounded into a fielder’s choice, tying the score at 2-all.

Chilton County took a late one-run lead in the sixth inning when Cade Hatch led off with a double and sprinted home on a wild pitch.

After six, the Tigers were up by one and needed three outs for the victory.

Hillcrest has been able to defeat opponents this season by relying primarily on their offense. Tuesday’s game was no different.

Back-to-back singles in the top of the seventh gave the Patriots runners at first and third with no outs. The runner at first then stole second base, giving Hillcrest two players in scoring position.

A one-out single by the cleanup hitter drove in both runs, and the Patriots suddenly had the lead again.

Another run crossed the plate via a bases loaded walk, increasing the lead to 5-3.

Despite their valiant efforts, the Tigers came up short in Game 1 of the area series.

Tolliver Gilliland pitched well for the Tigers, providing 6 2/3 innings worth of work and striking out three.

Hunter Bennett collected two hits while Cleckler and Langston had one RBI each.

Chilton County is now 15-10 on the season (2-1 in area play).

They will travel to Tuscaloosa on Thursday for Game 2 of the series. If needed, Game 3 will follow. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.