WCMS drops opener
Warren County Middle got off to a rocky start in its home tournament Wednesday night.
The Pioneers began pool play at Patrick Ramsey Field with a tough-luck loss, as a walked-in run gave Smyrna Middle a 4-3 win in the opening game of the 2003 Tennessee Middle School Baseball State Invitational Tournament.
Leading 3-2, the Pioneers’ Todd Dunn gave up back-to-back hits to start the seventh inning, with the Panthers’ leadoff man coming home to score the tying run. Dunn was relieved by Levi Bain, and the Panthers’ next two runners were intentionally walked to load the bases in an attempt to retire the side via force-outs.
But with the bases loaded Bain surrendered another walk, bringing in the game-winning run.
Dunn worked 4-2/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs while fanning five batters. He replaced starter Buzz Crowder, who gave up two runs in 1-1/3 innings.
The Pioneers picked up their runs early in Wednesday’s game, taking an early lead but losing a starting player.
Derrin Rogers was hit hard by a pitch with two out in the first, and was replaced by runner Clint Newman, who stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, and came home on a Dunn single.
With one out in the second, WCMS got back-to-back singles from Bain and Lane McCoy. McCoy’s hit drove in Bain to put WCMS on top 2-0, and McCoy then stole third and came home on a bad throw for the Pioneers’ third and final run.
WCMS is set to take on Goodpasture and West Wilson Saturday night at Patrick Ramsey Field, with the first game beginning at 6 p.m.