Hilltopper alums Diamond and Torbett team up on River Riders

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – Since the Appalachian League’s change in format a few seasons ago, fans in the Tri-Cities have enjoyed watching some local talent on the diamond each summer.

This season is no exception. A number of local high school graduates are back in Northeast Tennessee – back in front of family and friends – this season.

A pair of Science Hill Hilltoppers, Jaxon Diamond and Cole Torbett, have been seeing time together as members of the Elizabethton River Riders.

Diamond has seen most of his time at second base or designated hitter, while Torbett has played in various position in the field, since returning from injury. The lefty hurt his ankle in just the second game of the summer season, but has found his way back into the lineup recently.

Both are enjoying the camaraderie and competition they continue to face each night in the Appalachian League.

“This league is a really good league,” Torbett said on Saturday. “I think there’s tons of talent here on every team – and it’s really preparing all of us to go back to college and make sure we’re ready to go for the season.”

“Just meeting all these guys,” Diamond explained. “You get to meet guys from all over the country and you get to play the game you love with them – see how they play their game. It’s just been fun – been a fun experience.”

The River Riders will finish out a weekend series at the Greeneville Flyboys on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 5:30 p.m.

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