Misplays, missed chances and missed calls are all going to haunt the Pioneers from Monday's district tilt at home. Warren County lost in heartbreaking fashion, falling 1-0 in a pitcher's duel against the Franklin County Rebels.

The loss, which featured four Pioneer errors, a mountain of miscues on the bath paths and a crucial call late going against the home squad, spoiled an incredible night from starter Baler Melton. The junior threw a one-hitter, but took the loss as Franklin County scored the game's lone run in the third after two Pioneer errors allowed a runner to circle home.

"Baler pitched great - couldn't ask for more than a one-hitter in a district game, but we have to be able to back him up," said coach Phillip King, who saw his team fall to 8-4 this year and 2-3 in district play.

Warren County had its opportunities, putting a runner in scoring position in each of the first three innings and the sixth, but the offense could never get the clutch hit to even up the scoreboard.

"We have to clean up our inability to execute and move runners and also do a better job running the bases," said King. "We had four base-running mistakes to accompany four infield errors that ended up costing us."

Even when the Pioneers did look like they could find a way to score, they couldn't get a call to go their way.

After Easton Denning doubled to start the sixth - one of just five hits for WCHS - the Pioneers were ready to rally. Jax King, elevated into the clean-up role as he's caught fire at the plate, moved Denning to third with a one-out groundout to the right side, putting the tying run 90 feet from the plate.

Aiden Miller thought he had evened the score with an infield single that the junior looked to have legged out, but the umpire called Miller out at first to end the frame and spoil the Pioneers' best chance at gaining momentum at home.

King had a talk with the umpires following the play, but wasn't going to fixate on the call after the loss.

"Ultimately, we should have never been in the spot to have to rely on getting that call," said King. "There were too many opportunities early in the game that one single shouldn't matter."

King didn't miss a chance to preach resiliency to his team after the game, knowing his Pioneers can't afford to let a tough loss linger long. Warren County will need to regroup quick in hopes of changing its fortunes against the Rebels.

"You can't go bury your head in the sand - you just have to get back on the horse and get after it," said King after the game. "The good thing is, unlike football, we don't have a week to wait and stew it over."

Warren County went to Franklin County Tuesday night to complete the district series with the Rebels. The result was unavailable at press time.

The Pioneers will be back in action this week in the Mt. Valley Classic. Check Friday's Standard for more details on the weekend schedule.

WC hitting - Denning H, Miller H, Hayden Collins H, Logan Earls H, Brayan Holguin H

WC pitching - Baler Melton (L) 7 IP, H, R (0 ER), 2 BB, 4 K