UNIONVILLE — Cascade drew first blood but it was Community who had the last laugh in Friday night’s rivalry clash in the District 7-AA opener.
No. 2 Community drove in three runs in the bottom of the sixth and took the 6-2 win over the Champs.
Community got quality innings on the mound from pitchers Dylan Norris and Mason Russell, who combined for 14 punch outs.
Russell got the start on the bump for the Champs and went 4 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits, while striking out seven, before Norris took over and pitched the final 2 1/3 innings.
Norris was tagged for just one run on two hits, while also striking out seven.
Walker Craig, who started on the mound for Cascade, helped his own cause by driving in the game’s first run in the top of the first inning.
Community answered when Corey Paterick plated the Vikings’ first run of the game when he ground out to second, scoring Maki Fleming.
Both teams went quietly in the second inning before the Vikings were able to play add on with a pair of runs in the third.
Russell drove in the second Viking score of the night and Gage Underwood knocked in third on a RBI single, bumping the Viking lead to 3-1.
Cascade made it a one-run game when Caden Hammonds drew a bases-loaded walk in the top of the sixth, scoring Conner Melson.
While the Champs had runners in scoring position, the key two-out hit eluded Cascade and Community was able to respond by driving in three runs in the bottom of the sixth to stay unbeaten in the District 7-AA tournament.
Russell added to his night, driving in two on a double to right and Norris singled to left, scoring Fleming.
Russell went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, while Norris was 2-for-4 with a RBI as well.
Melson was the only Champion to record multiple hits, going 2-for-3.
Both teams continued 7-AA play on Saturday, with Cascade taking on Grundy County, while Community traveled to Chapel Hill to take on the top-seeded Rockets.

Cascade 100 001 0 — 2 6 1
Community 102 003 x — 6 9 0

Cascade: Hunter Lemmons 1-for-3, Conner Melson 2-for-3, Ryan Inmon 1-for-3, Kobe Inmon 1-for-3, Caden Hammonds 1-for-2.
Community: Maki Fleming 1-for-3, Corey Paterick 1-for-3, Dylan Norris 2-for-4, Mason Russell 2-for-3, Gage Underwood 1-for-4, Blaine Paschal 1-for-2, Sam Holley 1-for-2.
2B: Russell
WP: Russell
LP: Craig