Trice Powers couldn’t have asked for a better way for his team to enter the District 6AAA tournament.
The Pioneers put together back-to-back road wins this week, running their record to 16-18 overall before facing White County in a best-of-three series. Warren County downed Lincoln County 7-4 Monday, then beat Central 12-7 Tuesday night.
The games served as a perfect warm-up for what will be a win-or-go-home series against the Warriors starting Friday at 6 p.m. at Patrick Ramsey Field.
“We feel pretty good about winning two,” said Powers. “It got the pitchers throwing and the hitters seeing pitches. Those games just get us in a flow. You want to be rested, but too much time off can be a bad thing.”
Advancing to their second region tournament in as many years under Powers will come down to beating the Warriors two times over the next four days. Game two is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. in Sparta, while an if-necessary game three is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Patrick Ramsey Field.
Warren County and White County split a series last week, with each team winning on its home field. Powers doesn’t expect any surprises – just a hard-fought series.
“They are who they are so we know who we’re facing,” said Powers. “With all the teams in our district, it doesn’t really matter if you see them early or late.”
Getting off to a good start in Friday’s contest is all Powers is focused on as the postseason begins.
“Game one is always important – it sets the tone,” said Powers. “If you win, you have some wiggle room and the weight is off your shoulders. If you lose, you’re behind the eight ball. We want to come out and play well.”
This week's box scores are on 4B.
Warren County 12
Central 7
WC pitching – Kason Holder 1.2 IP, 3H, 3R, K, 2 BB, Bryan Bynum (W) 3.1 IP, 4H, R, 5K, BB, Braden Bottoms 2 IP, 2H, 3R, 2K, 2 BB
WC hitting – Braden Bottoms 2H, 3 RBI, Will Cantrell 2H, 2 RBI, Ethan Smith 2H, RBI, Hunter Adams 2H, Ty Martin 2H, Ryland Holder H, 4 RBI, Alec Hobbs H, RBI, Dylan Ward H (Cantrell, Bottoms hit HRs)
Warren County 7
Lincoln County 4
WC pitching – Dylan Ward 2.2 IP, 3H, R, K, BB, John Garrett 2.2 IP, 2H, 3R, 3 BB, Heath Kuykendall (W) 1.2 IP, H, 2K, BB
WC hitting – Ethan Smith 2H, RBI, Rylan Holder 3-run HR, Hunter Adams H, Heath Kuykendall H, Alec Hobbs H, Dylan Ward RBI, Will Cantrell RBI
