Orem • Layton's Parker Kincade homered in the first inning.
He homered in the fifth inning.
And gave up just one run over 5 2/3 innings of relief.
But if Kincade thought his day couldn't have been any better, he was wrong.
Kincade finished a 4-for-4 performance with a two-run walk-off home run that gave Layton a 7-5 win over American Fork on Wednesday afternoon in the Class 5A state baseball tournament.
The win earned the Lancers a date with Cottonwood, while the loss ended American Fork's season.
For much of the game it looked like American Fork, the defending 5A state champs, would advance. The Cavemen scored four runs in the first inning and were threatening again in the second when Kincade relieved starter Jaden Trujillo. Kincade allowed just one run the rest of the game and allowed the Lancers to rally.
Another home run by Kincade and one by Logan Greenhalgh helped Layton tie the game.
American Fork took the lead with a run in the sixth, but it could have been much worse. Alec Schultz drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a bunt by Austin Pitcher. He scored when Brock Lamb singled up the middle.
The inning continued with an Emmett Green single and a Zac Willis walk to load the bases.
But that's when Kincade was at his best. He got Riley Otteson to pop up then retired Zach Haws on a ground ball to end the inning.
Rusty Wilbert hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to even the game once again and set the stage for the dramatic conclusion.
Dexter Paiz reached base on an error, which brought Kincade to the plate in the bottom of the seventh. Fearing that a walk would push a runner into scoring position, American Fork pitched to Kincade. His third home run of the game cleared the second fence in left field and started the celebration.
Layton held on to knock off Cottonwood 10-7 in the nightcap to keep its season alive. The Lancers will face the loser of the 11 a.m. game between Bingham and Riverton.
Class 5A state tournament
Thursday's schedule
at Utah Valley University
Winners bracket
11 a.m. • Bingham vs. Riverton
Losers bracket
1:30 p.m. • (Layton vs. Cottonwood winner) vs. (Bingham vs. Riverton loser)