Pioneers open hardball season Monday
The Warren County High School baseball team wrapped up its preseason Friday afternoon with a scrimmage game against a familiar foe — itself.
The Pioneers split into two squads for an intrasquad scrimmage, and although the “Red” team prevailed over the “Blue” by a 7-5 final score, head coach Jimmy Walker said Friday’s contest had a more important goal — helping the team get some more preparation time before Monday’s season opener.
“We’re not exactly where we need to be, but if you asked around I think every team is pretty much in the same boat, because of the way the weather has dictated play,” Walker said. “Each time we come out we’re a little better, but we’ve still got a long way to go.”
After scoring in the top of the first when Derek Kennamer came in on a wild pitch, the “Red” team built a big lead with a five-run third inning.
Tony Grissom started the hit parade with a double, and by the time the first out was recorded, courtesy runner Colby Jenkins, Cody Grissom, Jordan Underhill, Kennamer and Tyler Herriman all had come in to score.
The “Blue” squad pulled itself back into the game in the fifth inning. Nick Cantrell led off with an infield single, and Steven Ehrhardt walked. A bunt single from Colby Killian plated Cantrell, and a throwing error brought in Ehrhardt. Matt Brown’s fielder’s choice plated Killian, and Josh Paz scored on a wild pitch to cut the “Red” team lead to 6-4.
Herriman singled, then scored on a throwing error in the sixth inning to provide the “Red” team’s final margin of victory.
Landon Boren picked up the win on the mound for the “Red” team, working 4-1/3 innings and allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits. He struck out five batters, walked two and hit one. Jenkins came on in the fifth, and gave up three hits and one run on the way to the save. The senior captain struck out four of the 13 batters he faced.
Killian took the loss, allowing six runs and four hits through the game’s first five innings.
The Pioneers are in store for a busy first week to their season, beginning with Monday’s 5 p.m. game at Tullahoma. WCHS hosts Livingston Academy Tuesday at 5 p.m., travels to Coffee County Wednesday and takes on Cumberland County on the road Saturday afternoon.
Walker said his team’s packed early schedule will hopefully help get them further into game shape before District 7-AAA play begins.
“We hope the weather cooperates, so we can get into some game situations,” he said. “That’s our whole intent this week.
“We open with Oakland our second week of the season, so we hope we can play ourselves into shape before then. The kids have worked hard in the off-season, and I’ve seen improvement from the older players all the way down to the freshmen. But they just need to play.”