By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Pioneers win district opener
Westen Wilson about to hit the ball 4-3.jpg
WCHS senior Westen Wilson, shown during action at home, has been a solid second baseman and consistent hitter for the Pioneers this season. - photo by Brad Durham
Brad Durham
Published: Apr 7, 2021, 5:47 AM

The second season, or what is more commonly called the beginning of district play, began for the high school Pioneer baseball team Monday at Rhea County. The Eagles proved to be a formidable opponent, and the Pioneers battled for a 6-4 victory that increased their season record to 7-6.  More importantly, they started 1-0 in the district.

The pivotal fourth inning started with the Pioneers down 3-0. The Pioneers came alive at the top of the fourth by taking advantage of walks, stealing bases, and knocking in runs. 

Ty Martin started the inning with a walk and stole second base. Kason Holder hit a single to center field that advanced Martin to third. Holder then stole. Alec Hobbs singled to shortstop, scoring Martin and advancing Holder to third. Hobbs was thrown out trying to steal second. Jace Brantley walked, and Wyatt Wilson knocked in both Holder and Brantley with a double to center field.

Westen Wilson then knocked in his brother Wyatt to put Warren County on top 4-2. It was an inning that exemplified the Pioneers aggressive base running and ability to manufacture runs at the plate. It was the type of inning the Pioneers needed to win their district opener.


HEAD COACH

COMMENTS

WCHS coach Phillip King was glad to start district competition with a win on Monday. King said, “They punched us in the mouth right off the bat and scored 2 in the first, and then tacked on another and we got down 3-0. Top of the fourth we made an adjustment at the plate, and we put together a solid inning and scored 4. They came right back and tied it in the bottom half. We scored 2 more in the top of the fifth and hung on for the win. We had some really dynamic defensive plays, and Jared Scruggs came on in relief of Omari and shut them down. Very quality win against a good-swinging team.”


PIONEER HITTERS

Recording hits for the Pioneers were Ryland Holder 2, Kason Holder 2, Westen Wilson 1, Braden Bottoms 1, Ben Rivers 1, Alec Hobbs 1, Jace Brantley 1 and Wyatt Wilson 1. Producing RBIs were Wyatt Wilson 3, Alec Hobbs 1 and Westen Wilson 1.


PIONEER PITCHERS

Omari Harris pitched 3 innings and gave up 5 hits and 3 earned runs with 1 strikeout. Jared Scruggs entered in relief and pitched 4 innings and gave up 4 hits and 1 earned run with 1 strikeout.