First National Bank and Cherokee Manufacturing finished in a tie for first place in the 13-15-year-old Babe Ruth league with 7-2 records. Sun Drop and Rotary Club were just the opposite, as both teams posted identical 2-7 records.So when the Babe Ruth league tournament began Tuesday, most assumed First National bank and Cherokee Manufacturing would advance to the next round with ease.First National Bank obliged with a 10-0 romp over Sun Drop, but Cherokee Manufacturing was crushed 14-3 by Rotary Club.First National Bank was led to victory by Will Sweeton, who allowed one hit over five innings while striking out six.Sweeton flirted with a no hitter, but Matt Savage ended the no-hit bid in the fifth inning with a single.Austin Wright begin the First National Bank scoring surge with a RBI single in the first. It was followed by the team posting three runs in the second, two of which came in on a double by Sweeton.After an error allowed First National to take a 5-0 lead after three innings, walks would doom Sun Drop.Four walks led to five First National runs in the fifth inning, including A.D. Majors drawing a bases-loaded walk to end the game.
Babe Ruth tournament underway