Timely hitting and strong pitching allowed the Hazen baseball team to move one step closer to a state berth with a 4-2 win against Timberline May 11.

The Highlanders advanced to the second round of the West Central District III tournament where they played Camas May 12.

Hazen took a lead over Timberline in the second inning when Travis Johnson led off with a double to center field. Anthony Pina then hit a two-run home run. Timberline came back to tie the game at 2-2 in the third.

Chadd Garton hit an RBI double for Hazen in the bottom of the third to give the Highlanders a 3-2 lead. Garton added an insurance run with an RBI single in the fifth.

Jimmy Schmidt pitched six innings for the win. He allowed two hits and a walk. Nick Sharp needed just 10 pitches to work through the seventh and seal the win.

Hazen faced Camas May 12 in a loser-out game. If the Highlanders won, they play again Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Foss High School.