Defending Class A state champion East Hardy opened the McDonald’s Classic with a statement win, defeating Class AA No. 8 South Harrison 4-0 in Lost Creek.

Gage Dove led the way for the Cougars, pitching into the seventh inning while allowing just four hits and striking out eight. Evan Hamilton closed the door in relief, inducing a 6-3 double play to seal the shutout in his first appearance of the season.

After three scoreless innings, East Hardy broke through in the fourth. Mason Wilkins laid down a key bunt to bring home Shayne Sisler, and Hamilton later drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-0. The Cougars added two more runs in the fifth with Levi Price and Sisler scoring on groundouts to extend the lead.
East Hardy has now won five straight games, improving to 9-3 on the season as they continue their state title defense.