A big sixth inning allowed the Hampton Elementary Jr. Bulldogs secure an 8-3 victory over Universty Middle School during the Little Watauga Conference semifinals Thursday.

The Jr. Dogs got going early as Hampton’s Kaleb Royston smacked a line drive single to left field to score teammate Morgan Lyons. Hampton would find another run in the second inning with Hampton’s Michael Harrison scoring off an error to give the Jr. Bulldog a 2-0 lead after two.

In the sixth, Hampton worked the base paths for five runs to jump ahead 7-0. Bulldogs McKinnley Kuhn, Kyler Lewis, Harrison, and Conor Burleson all recorded RBI-singles in the inning.

University would score three runs over the sixth and seven innings while the Bulldogs got their final run in the seventh.

Hampton had ten hits with both Harrison and Royston picking up two hits and two RBIs each. Burleson also finished with two and an RBI.

On the mound, Hampton’s Brody Hicks worked four innings as he recorded the win. Hicks finished the game with six strikeouts against no walks. Hicks had five hits on him. Lyons finished out the last two innings.

The Bulldogs will face Happy Valley in the conference championship Friday at the Indian Trail Intermediate School in Johnson City.