WCHS splits series against league leaders
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The 3-2 victory gave WCHS a split in the two-day series with the Cavaliers, and improved Warren County’s record to 12-16 overall and 5-7 in District 7-AAA play. Cookeville, which entered Wednesday’s contest in a three-way tie for the league lead, dropped to 9-3 in the district standings and 21-8 overall.
“They’re a good, solid ballclub,” WCHS coach J.W. Holt said of the Cavaliers. “They’re fundamentally sound, and just a good all-around team.
“I think (Wednesday) we showed what we really can do; what we can accomplish when we play our ‘A’ game. When we get a few hits, some good pitching and play a little solid defense, we can compete with anybody in this district.”
Warren County struck first Wednesday night, plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning. Chase McGee led off with a walk, and Tyler Herriman was hit by a pitch, setting the state for a one-out RBI single from Jacob Bratcher and a sacrifice fly from Joey Haston.
The Cavs got their runs back in the second, however, on a two-run single from Grayson Staggs.
In the top of the fourth, Killian found himself in a big jam, as the Cavaliers loaded the bases with nobody out. But the sophomore answered the challenge, fanning Chris Norton and Brady Adams, and forcing Tyler Turner into a groundout to short to end the threat.
Tied at 2-2, the bottom of the order came through in the bottom of the fourth for the Pioneers.
With one out in the inning, Todd Gilley and Jordan Powers — who was making his first start in a varsity district game — connected for back-to-back singles to left. Ehrhardt followed by beating out a single to the infield, scoring Gilley with what would prove to be the game-winning run.
Killian got the win, improving to 4-3 on the season with his complete-game effort. He allowed five hits and two runs (one earned), while fanning a whopping 12 Cavalier batters, walking four, and hitting one.
At the plate, McGee, Josh Bratcher, Jacob Bratcher, Haston, Gilley, Powers and Ehrhardt were credited with the Pioneers’ hits.
Tuesday night in Cookeville, a four-run Cavalier fifth propelled Cookeville to an eventual 6-1 win.
The Cavaliers’ first run came after an errant throw went into the Pioneer dugout, and a two-run single from Turner highlighted the game-deciding frame.
Warren County’s only run came in the top of the sixth, when McGee was hit by a pitch and scored on a wild pitch. The Cavs’ answered with two more runs off WCHS reliever Jared Qualls to capture the league victory.
Haston started for Warren County, working the first five innings. Two of the Cavaliers’ first four runs were earned.
Warren County returns to action Saturday with a road trip to Notre Dame.