KINGSPORT, TN — Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Bristol State Liners canceled the remainder of their 2021 regular season.

With the State Liners sidelined, the Kingsport Axmen hosted Flashback Friday at Hunter Wright Stadium.

Kingsport defeated the Tennessee Stix, 12-1, in a seven-inning exhibition game before putting on the inaugural Kingsport Axmen Home Run Derby.

The Axmen scored at least one run in each of the first five innings, highlighted by a five-run fourth. Darien Farley blasted a three-run homer in the second and Caleb McNeely rounded the bases three frames later.

Right-handed pitcher Justin Kenyon earned the victory in relief, retiring all six batters he faced. Kenyon out the side in the fifth before picking up a punchout to end the sixth.

The 1,248 fans in attendance were treated with an Appalachian League Tumbler upon entrance and an action-packed night with exclusive opportunities to interact with players and win special prizes.

Following the contest, Kingsport’s Cole Hales, Logan Harbin, Farley and McNeely and Tennessee’s Colby Reynolds and Jonathan Webster participated in the derby.

Hales, Farley and McNeely advanced to the championship where Farley was ultimately crowned the champion.

The Axmen conclude their 2021 slate at 7 p.m. Saturday evening in Kingsport. The season finale features a team photo giveaway courtesy of Chantz Scott Kia and a postgame fireworks extravaganza presented by Ingles.