Changing venues does little to change the results when the Pioneers and Golden Eagles meet.
Warren County followed up a dominating 12-2 home win Monday over Rhea County with an equally impressive 10-0 victory Tuesday in Dayton.
Dylan Ward went the distance to earn the victory, his second of the season. Ward’s dominance on the mound moved Warren County to 2-0 in District 6AAA play, making the team the lone squad in the five-team district with an unblemished record.
“I think we came out and did a good job when it mattered the most,” said coach Trice Powers. “I think we have plenty of positives ahead of us. The upcoming weeks look bright if we keep the same confidence and momentum.”
Ward’s performance did little to dampen Powers’ enthusiasm. The senior allowed just two hits and retired 11 straight Eagles to end the game. Rhea County didn’t have a runner reach scoring position.
“Everything starts on the bump. Dylan went out and gave us a good outing, following a good effort from Brooks (Helton) the day before,” said Powers. “He was really efficient. They both stepped up when we needed it.
“The defense helped out too. I’ve told the team if we pitch and catch the baseball, we can beat anybody in the state.”
Helton was a headache for Rhea County again at the plate Tuesday, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and two walks. Over two games, Helton reached base in all eight plate appearances and drove in eight runs, including two home runs Monday.
The Pioneer offense in general was unstoppable on the road.
Ethan Smith got the scoring starting early, singling to start the game and scoring on a Hunter Adams’ sacrifice fly. Smith would finish 2-for-3 and score three times, including swiping home in the third inning.
Braden Bottoms added to the scoring surge in the third, rocking a two-out, two-run single into centerfield.
The Pioneers added three more runs in the fourth, taking advantage of Rhea County miscues to build their lead to 7-0. Ben Rivers and Smith each scored on a wild pitch in the frame. Adams also added his second sacrifice, this time on a squeeze, to bring in Ryland Holder.
Holder’s RBI double in the sixth highlighted another three-run inning, which helped the Pioneers run-rule the Eagles for the second straight night.
Trace Adcock added two hits in the victory, while Will Cantrell and Ward each had singles.
