A clutch performance at the plate from Jake Hurt and a dominant showing on the mound by Jax Finch powered the Morris Eagles to a hardfought 9-5 victory over the Keys Cougars in extra innings Thursday.

Hurt set the tone offensively, collecting three hits in four at-bats to lead the Eagles’ 12-hit attack. He doubled in the fourth inning and added singles in both the sixth and eighth innings, consistently putting pressure on the Cougars’ defense.

Morris struck first in the top of the opening inning, using a pair of singles to get on the scoreboard. Finch helped his own cause with an RBI single to give the Eagles an early 1-0 advantage.

The game remained tightly contested as Keys battled back, finally evening the score in the bottom of the fifth. Garrett Lane and Jarrett Hall delivered back-to-back singles, and a Morris error helped the Cougars knot the game and shift momentum.

But the Eagles saved their biggest punch for late. After the game extended into extra innings, Morris erupted in the top of the eighth, plating five runs on four hits to seize control. The decisive blow came off the bat of Landon Martin, who ripped a two-run double to break the game open and give the Eagles a commanding 9-4 lead.

On the mound, Finch delivered a standout performance. The right-hander struck out 11 batters over seven innings, allowing eight hits and four runs while walking three. His ability to miss bats kept Morris in control throughout the contest. Rowan Ramirez came on in relief to help secure the victory.

Offensively, Morris showcased depth throughout the lineup. Alongside Hurt’s threehit night, Dayton Andrews and Martin each drove in two runs, providing key production in crucial moments.

Keys was led by Lane, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to pace the Cougars offensively. Lane and a teammate each recorded multiple hits, while Hall and Blue Isaacs created havoc on the basepaths with multiple stolen bases. In total, Keys swiped eight bases in the game, keeping constant pressure on the Eagles’ defense.