Braden Cooper had retired the order in three of the first four innings before the Golden Tornado pushed two runs across in the top of the fifth on three hits, an error and a wild pitch that scored a run.

Layne Zacot’s single gave Keyser the lead for good.

The Tigers threatened in the sixth when Trent Stone led off with a single but starter Lucas Williamson struck out two of the next three batters to end the inning.

They also had the tying run on second base in the seventh when Blayne Thompson’s single moved Cooper into scoring position with two outs.

The Inter-Mountain photos by Steve Chamberlain Elkins High’s Braden Cooper releases a pitch against Keyser Monday night in Class AAA, Region II action. Cooper allowed two unearned runs on four hits in a complete-game effort in the Tigers’ 2-1 loss.

Mikey Mongold, who entered the game with one out in the frame, then got a pop-out to preserve the win.

Williamson went the first 6 1/3 innings to earn the win, scattering one unearned run on four hits and striking out 10 with one walk.

Cooper went the distance in being the hard-luck loser, giving up two unearned runs on four hits, striking out three and walking two.

Elkins took a 1-0 lead in the first when Owen Stanley’s single plated Thompson.

Hunter Harr had two hits, including a double, in the win.

Cooper led the Tigers with a pair of singles.

Keyser visits top-seed Bridgeport this evening, with the loser battling Elkins (12-15) in an elimination game at the site of the highest seed.