Facing elimination twice, the Collierville High School baseball team persevered behind two outstanding pitching performances utilizing their 1-2 punch of Thomas Crabtree and Ari Bethea.

Both right handed hurlers were near perfect with Crabtree dealing a complete game, 2-hit shutout while striking out 12 on Friday versus Bartlett. The East Tennessee State signee pounded the zone from the first pitch and did not allow a base on balls. The Dragons won 9-0.

Sophomore sensation Ari Bethea matched the performance with a complete game, 1-hit shutout, striking out 9, and allowing just one walk on Saturday versus Houston. Bethea, a 2-sport athlete that is also a force on the football team, threw his best game to date and projects to have a very bright future in the game. Collierville defeated the Mustangs for the second time this year in a 5-0 fashion.

With the wins over Bartlett and Houston, Collierville survives and advances to next week's Region Tournament. However, there is still work to be done for a District 15-AAAA championship. The Dragons immediately had to face Arlington in the winner's bracket with the need to win and force the if necessary game on Monday.

Harding University signee, Keaton Baird, reintroduced himself to the Tigers, but this time in a different role. Baird, the team's closer all year, was given the start and the decision turned out to be the right card to play. Baird continued the streak by throwing the team's third consecutive complete game and kept a very good Arlington line-up off-balanced with his mix of pitches. The poised right-hander gave up two runs, allowed 5 hits, and K'd two. Collierville defeated Arlington, 3-2.

Offensively, A. J. Greene was 4-for-4 against Bartlett with a double and a home run to left center field. Crabtree was 3-for-4, with a double, and Hayden Short collected a pair of singles.

Crabtree had a pair of RBIs versus Houston and Greene added a triple. Short was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored in the Arlington win. Alabama-Huntsville signee, Joey Caruso, went 2-for-3 versus the Tigers.

With all said and done, an if necessary game is set for Monday to determine a champion in what is likely the strongest baseball district in the state. Arlington will get their wanted rematch with the Dragons. If you've followed the two teams all year, you'll know to have the popcorn ready. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm at Houston's Bill Avant Field.