Story byCumberland Times News, Md.

East Hardy begins Class A title defense Saturday

Cumberland Times-News, Md.Sat, June 6, 2026 at 10:16 PM UTC·1 min read

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — East Hardy kicks off its Class A state title defense when it takes on Pendleton County in the quarterfinals Saturday.

The Cougars (21-11), the No. 2 seed, and seventh-seeded Pendleton County (16-16) take the diamond at Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field at 5 p.m.

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East Hardy defeated Madonna, 10-7, in last year’s final to win its first championship since 1987.

This season marks the first of West Virginia’s eight-team state tournament format. East Hardy meets a familiar rival in the quarterfinals, as Tyler Mongold’s club defeated Sam Yokum’s Pendleton County twice, 17-7 and 6-0, during the regular season.

East Hardy is led by brothers Mason and Evan Hamilton. The former leads the team with a .676 average with four homers, two triples, 17 homers, 48 RBIs, 45 runs and 24 stolen bases, while the latter boasts a .563 mark at the plate with eight home runs, four triples, nine doubles, 30 ribbies, 67 runs scored and 43 steals.

Three other everyday hitters bat .300 or better in Dayton Dove (.348), Levi Price (.342) and Shayne Sisler (.341).

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Sisler, a right-handed pitcher, is the teams ace, posting a 9-0 record, 3.10 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings pitched.

Pendleton is likely to start senior right-hander Chase Owens on the bump, who is 3-5 with a 3.95 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 49 2/3 frames.

Travis Owens leads the Wildcats’ offense with a .395 average, 12 doubles and 40 runs, while Chase Owens (.380) tops the squad in triples (four) and RBIs (27).

Yokum last guided Pendleton County to a state championship in 2004.