October 24–25, 2026 | USSSA Halloween Hoopla | Cape Girardeau, Missouri

The Dogs finished the weekend undefeated at 4-0, earning their second consecutive tournament championship and extending their winning streak to eight games. Competing at Shawnee Park Sports Complex, the Dogs combined explosive offense, aggressive baserunning, timely pitching, and late-game heroics to navigate four competitive matchups.

Saturday: Two Wins to Open Tournament Play

Game 1 | Hit Dogs 7, Paducah Prime 4

The Dogs opened the tournament with a hard-fought 7-4 victory over Paducah Prime. After exchanging leads throughout the game, Evansville broke a 4-4 tie with three runs in the fifth inning. Jacob Risner led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, including the go-ahead two-run single. Hayden Blake earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and no walks. The Dogs also put pressure on the defense with nine stolen bases.

Game 2 | Hit Dogs 8, Blue Collar Baseball Club 7

Saturday's second matchup delivered plenty of drama as the Dogs jumped ahead early before Blue Collar battled back to tie the game at seven. With the game on the line, Holden Belwood delivered a walk-off RBI single to secure the 8-7 victory. Belwood finished 2-for-2 with two RBI, while Aydenn Payton contributed two hits, including a triple. Gage Shelton earned the win in relief, striking out two batters to shut down Blue Collar's comeback attempt. The dramatic finish sent the Dogs into Sunday's bracket play undefeated.

Sunday: Battling Their Way to the Championship

Semifinal | Hit Dogs 9, Blue Collar Baseball Club 8

The Dogs opened Championship Sunday against a familiar opponent, facing Blue Collar for the second time in less than 24 hours. Evansville erupted for six runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Aydenn Payton, but Blue Collar responded to take an 8-6 lead. Refusing to quit, the Dogs rallied in the fourth. Elias Potts delivered a clutch RBI single to help tie the game before Evansville completed the comeback for a 9-8 victory. Payton, Potts, Risner, and Shelton each collected two hits, while the team added seven stolen bases. Shelton earned another win in relief with a scoreless inning.

Championship Game | Hit Dogs 10, Herrin Tigers 4

With the tournament championship on the line, the Hit Dogs faced the Herrin Tigers in Sunday's finale.

The Dogs took a 3-1 lead in the third inning behind RBI contributions from Clay Haley, Evan Mathies, and Jett Sigler. Herrin battled back to tie the game at four in the fifth, setting the stage for one final offensive explosion. Evansville answered with six runs in the bottom of the fifth to put the championship away.

The Dogs finished with 11 hits, including two each from Shelton and Haley. Kolb led the team with three RBI.

Shelton provided a strong start on the mound, allowing just one run over two innings with two strikeouts before exiting after being struck on his throwing arm. Hayden Blake earned the victory in relief as the Dogs secured the 10-4 championship win.

Back-to-Back Champions

The Cape Girardeau championship showcased the identity this Hit Dogs team continues to build. Across four games, the Dogs overcame multiple deficits, delivered in critical situations, and found ways to win when the pressure was highest. From Risner's go-ahead hit against Paducah Prime to Belwood's Saturday walk-off, Potts' clutch Sunday comeback hit, and the six-run championship rally against Herrin, contributions came from throughout the lineup.

The Hit Dogs leave Cape Girardeau with four more wins, an eight-game winning streak, and back-to-back tournament championships. More importantly, they continue proving that their success is built on resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to compete until the final out.

ALL GRIT. NO QUIT. 🐶🧡💙