Full count, big swing, Spring Fling

Mavericks outlast Unicoi in 10 innings, secure trip to state

May 21, 2025 by Ken Lay

Anderson County High School’s baseball team is headed back to the state tournament — although it took a little extra time to get there.

The Mavericks (31-11) secured their spot at the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro by winning the third game in the best-of-three Class 3A state sectional series Thursday night, edging Unicoi County 6-5 in 10 innings.

It marks Anderson County’s first trip to the state tournament since 2008.

The Mavericks won the “if-necessary” game in dramatic fashion as Jeremiah Owens drew a walk with the bases loaded, scoring Landry Sharp for the walk-off victory.

Owens drove in four of Anderson County’s six runs. He went 1-for-4 with a double. Trent Strickland was 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. Alex Bond had two hits and a stolen base. Clay Fletcher added a hit, a stolen base and scored a run, while Easton Beaty singled and stole a base.

Despite being out-hit 13-8 by the visiting Blue Devils, Anderson County made the most of its opportunities.

Left-handed pitcher Daniel Unthank picked up the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and two walks after replacing starter Wil Ridenour.

The Mavericks forced Game 3 with a 2-1 win in Game 2. Strickland had two hits, including a solo homer, and Ty Wilson went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Bond started Game 2 and earned the win, pitching 6.2 innings. He allowed one run on four hits and four walks while striking out 10.

Unthank retired the only batter he faced to earn the save. He had seen limited action in 2025 due to injury, but appeared in all three sectional games as a reliever.

Anderson County dropped the opening game of the series 2-1 on Wednesday, May 14. The Mavericks were held to two hits and had three errors. Owens doubled and Strickland singled.

Anderson County opened state tournament play Tuesday against Munford (results were unavailable at press time).