Eagles top Dibrell to take boys’ title

After five innings of tough defense, Morrison’s boys erupted for a pair of big innings to capture the championship in the Warren County Softball Tournament Monday, downing Dibrell 8-1 at the Morrison Ruritan Park.

The Eagles and Wildcats tied for first place through the regular season of play, but Morrison was awarded the tournament’s No. 1 seed via a coin flip, dropping Dibrell to No. 2.

After 4-1/2 scoreless innings, Dibrell finally cracked the scoreboard when Josh Judkins tripled with one out in the fifth. Andrew Williams gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead, driving in Judkins with a hit to left field.

Morrison bounced back in the top of the sixth, however, tying the game on a Friday Shinaberry single which plated Ben Dunn. Shinaberry and Todd Dunn both came home on a base hit from Alex Self, as Morrison took a 3-1 lead.

The Eagles expanded their advantage with five runs in the top of the seventh. Justin Fults and Terrell Mathis came through with back-to-back singles to start the frame, and Michael Hutton drove in Fults with a double to center field.

With one out, Dibrell elected to intentionally walk Ben Dunn to load the bases, but Coty Grissom, Shinaberry and Todd Dunn responded with three straight singles, putting the Eagles up 7-1. Self provided the final margin of victory, driving home Grissom with a sacrifice fly to left.

The Wildcats threatened in the bottom of the inning, but Morrison’s defense came through when Fults snagged a pop fly and Jon Creek ended the game with a diving catch of a Judkins shot to left-center.

The Wildcats dispatched Eastside 10-3 in their semifinal match, while Morrison reached the finals with a 16-2 win over Centertown, which had earned a spot in the semis with a 16-1 win over Irving College.

PHOTO INFO:
Top left: the Morrison Eagles celebrate after receiving their championship plaque following their win over Dibrell Monday in the Warren County Elementary School Softball Tournament. At right, Dibrell’s Anthony Williams jumps to avoid the tag, but is retired by Morrison pitcher Wes Williams on an attempt at an inside-the-park home run in the fifth inning.

Center: Morrison pitcher Amanda Locke delivers during her team’s tournament finals game against Centertown Monday afternoon.

Top Right: The Centertown Lady Warriors spill out of the dugout to accept their championship plaque from Ann Eades at the conclusion of Monday’s final game.