The Hunting Hounds are gearing up to make another run at a state baseball title as they host Claiborne Academy Tuesday at 7 p.m. to open up the first round of the playoffs.

As the Hounds get set to start what Huntington head coach Mitch Ashmore calls “the third season,” their main focus has shifted to working on the little things, particularly on defense.

“The playoffs come down to the little things,” Ashmore said.

With the Hounds getting a late start to the season as the result of a successful run in the basketball postseason, Ashmore said his club has gotten a lot better as the season has progressed.

“We have hit the ball well the past few games, and I think that is our strong suit,” he said. “Our problems have been with throwing strikes. If we can throw strikes and play good defense, then we can play with anybody.”

Ashmore is also familiar with the post season, having taken five teams to the championship and winning once in 1994. He has sev-

several players with postseason experience, which will be helpful in the coming days.

Trey Corbett has been on Ashmore’s club for six years, while Richard Steele has been on the team for four years.

“We have experience in key positions and they know what the playoffs our all about,” Ashmore said.

Another player that has been a key to the Hounds success this season has been starting catcher, Landon Willard.

Ashmore said this is the first year Willard, a sophomore, has had to handle full-time catching duties.

“He was able to come in and catch, and he has done a wonderful job for us. He is a good kid and works hard,” he said.

Currently the Hounds are 16-10 overall heading into the playoffs.

“I am pleased with the position we are in,” Ashmore said. “But we are never satisfied.”