University of Arkansas-bound Jack Smith retired all 21 batters he faced as second-ranked Hartselle blanked Pinson Valley 10-0 to complete a sweep of the Indians at home on Thursday to advance in the Class 6A baseball playoffs. The Tigers beat Pinson Valley 15-1 in five innings in the opening game.

Smith’s perfect game was the first of his career and second no-hitter after his 7-0 win vs. Muscle Shoals on March 21.

The senior left-hander struck out nine on Thursday and threw 54 strikes in 80 pitches.

Eli Tidwell led Hartselle (28-8) at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs. Cade Miles was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Tigers. Cam Palahach and Lawson Williams were both 2-for-5 as the Tigers pounded out 12 hits in the win. Palahach had an RBI. Jo Jo Williamson went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Peyton Steele doubled for Hartselle.

Noah Bufford took the loss for Pinson Valley (8-13). The senior gave up eight runs – four earned – on nine hits. He struck out one and walked four in 4.2 innings.

In the opener, Greyson Howard and Jace Meadows combined to give up five hits in Hartselle’s runaway win. Howard got the start and the win, pitching four innings and allowing one run on four hits. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.

Howard helped himself at the plate with a home run and three RBIs and two runs scored. He also walked three times.

Williams went 1-for-3 – with a grand slam home run – for Hartselle and scored twice. Coleman Mizelle homered and doubled as he went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Miles was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and Tidwell was 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Caden Hamby went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored for Pinson Valley. Bufford, Jamison Green and Ahmad Woods all had singles in the loss.

Jaylon Sharpe took the loss for the Indians, allowing 13 runs – 12 earned – on 10 hits over 2.1 innings. He struck out one and walked five.