Hayesville Yellow Jackets Dominate Cherokee in Smoky Mountain Conference Showdown

Photo by Carissa Daniels

On Monday, April 21, the Hayesville High School varsity baseball team delivered a commanding performance, shutting out the Cherokee Braves 12-0 in a Smoky Mountain Conference matchup at home. The Yellow Jackets (9-6) showcased their offensive firepower and defensive precision, ending the game early via the mercy rule after two explosive innings.

Hayesville wasted no time asserting dominance, plating four runs in the first inning and erupting for eight more in the second. The team’s disciplined approach at the plate resulted in a .444 batting average, with eight hits, 10 walks, and four hit-by-pitches across 35 plate appearances. Senior Kyle Shaheen led the charge, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBIs, anchoring the heart of the lineup. Michael Mauney, Ben Bethel, Tate Roberts, Landon Cheeks, Jacob Cody, and Dawson Devane each contributed a hit, with Bethel crossing the plate twice and stealing three bases. The Yellow Jackets’ aggressive baserunning was a key factor, as they swiped 11 bases, with Bethel, Shaheen, and Roberts combining for seven.

On the mound, senior Cade Caruso was nearly untouchable, tossing four innings of one-hit ball while striking out eight and walking three. His pinpoint control and ability to induce weak contact stifled Cherokee’s offense, which managed just one hit and failed to advance a runner past first base. Tate Roberts closed out the game with a perfect fifth inning, fanning two to secure the shutout. The pitching duo combined for 10 strikeouts and allowed a mere .062 opponent batting average, showcasing Hayesville’s dominance on the hill.

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets were crisp, posting a .947 fielding percentage with only one error. Chance Hughes was a standout at first base, recording six putouts, while Rob Barter handled five chances flawlessly behind the plate. Landon Cheeks and Caruso also contributed error-free efforts in the field, ensuring Cherokee had no opportunities to rally.

With the win, Hayesville strengthens its position in the Smoky Mountain Conference standings with an 8-0 record, demonstrating why they’re a force to be reckoned with. The Yellow Jackets will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, as they travel to Robbinsville on Tuesday, April 22.