Union County is just two wins away from capturing its second state baseball championship in program history, and the Fightin' Tigers are leaving nothing to chance. After a dramatic extra-inning victory over Mayo Lafayette, the top-seeded team in the Rural class is charging toward the final four with momentum and confidence.

At the plate, Union County is a force to be reckoned with, boasting a team batting average of .332. Leading the charge is Kendall Carter, who's hitting an impressive .468 with nine doubles. He's joined by Jasen Sullivan (.426, five doubles), Jeffrey Brugh (.398, seven doubles), and Evan Christmas (.376, nine doubles)—a lineup that can punish pitchers from top to bottom.

On the mound, the Fightin' Tigers rely on a trio of arms to keep opponents at bay. Erick Lasseter (5-2, 2.96 ERA), Brady Tetstone (8-1, 3.65 ERA), and Ayden Androlevich (4-3, 4.73 ERA) have shouldered the bulk of the pitching duties, with Tetstone's eight wins standing out as a key anchor for the staff.

This playoff run carries special significance for Union County, which last tasted state glory in 2012 when it won the Class 1A title. Now, the program has a chance to add another chapter to its history.

Standing in their way is Cottondale, a team with its own offensive firepower. The Hornets are led by Jaydon Gray, who's putting up video-game numbers with a .527 average, 13 doubles, three home runs, and 38 RBIs. Lane Johnson is also a dual threat, hitting .398 with six doubles and four homers while serving as the team's ace on the mound. Johnson has struck out 72 batters across 65 1/3 innings, posting a 5-4 record and a 2.79 ERA.

The winner of this semifinal showdown will advance to the Rural state title game on May 14 at 4 p.m., where they'll face either Trenton or Holmes County. For Union County, the dream of a second championship is alive and well—and every pitch, swing, and play matters as they chase history.