SHAWN DIGIANFELICE

Sports Writer  

Shelbyville Central – 6, Cookeville – 4 

Shelbyville Central used a clutch swing from Case Davis in the seventh inning and a dominant relief performance from Braxton Vari to secure the District 6-AAAA Championship with a 6-4 win over Cookeville on Monday night.  

With the victory, the Golden Eagles claim the district crown and will host the Region 3-AAAA Tournament beginning Thursday. 

Shelbyville wasted no time setting the tone, plating three runs in the first inning to seize early momentum. 

Cookeville answered over the next two innings, taking a 4-3 lead and forcing the Golden Eagles to respond. 

Shelbyville pulled even in the third, then settled into a tight battle through the middle innings as both teams struggled to break through. 

That changed in the seventh. 

 After Cookeville intentionally walked Caden Peacock to load the bases, Davis delivered the decisive blow—lining a two-run double to give Shelbyville the lead for good and swing the momentum firmly in the Golden Eagles’ favor. 

While the late hit proved to be the difference, the game turned on Braxton Vari’s performance out of the bullpen. 

Entering after two innings, Vari completely shut down Cookeville’s offense, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and working efficiently through multiple threats. His effort kept Shelbyville within striking distance and set the stage for the late rally. 

 At the plate, Shelbyville produced nine hits with contributions throughout the lineup. Stephen Bobo led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, scoring three runs and setting the tone at the top. Peacock finished 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, while Davis went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, including the game-winning hit. Blake Bone and Brody Thomas each added a hit, and Miles McCullough scored a run after reaching base as Shelbyville continued to apply pressure offensively.  

On the mound, Ashton Whorley handled the early innings before Vari took over and controlled the game the rest of the way, earning the win and closing out the championship. 

Shelbyville (27-9), will return to action Thursday when it opens play in the Region 3-AAAA Tournament against District 5-AAAA runner up Cleveland. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 P.M

District 5-AAAA Champion Bradley Central will play Cookeville in the opening game of the tournament. That game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 P.M.