The boy’s machine-pitch all-stars from Warren County finished their all-star tournament held last week in Crossville with a first place win over a very tough local team from Crossville.
The Warren County All-Stars lost earlier in the double-elimination tournament to Crossville and knowing one more loss would end the season and send them home, the boy’s dug in and fought their way back to the championship game Sunday and defeated the Crossville All-Stars by a final score of 10-8 in an extra inning of play.
After being locked 8-8 at the end of the sixth inning in the championship, the Crossville all-stars were up to bat in the top of the seventh, Crossville started the inning off in the middle of the lineup. Six batter went to the plate and third base was as far as any of them would reach. Warren County made a huge defensive stand in the top of the seventh and held Crossville scoreless.
Warren County was at the top of the lineup. Woogs Bryan and Jathan Baker were the first two players to reach base safely in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs and two on base, Devan Grayson jumped on a pitch and crushed the ball over the defense and the ball rolled just inches from the fence. As the defense scrambled for the ball Bryan crossed the plate for a 9-8 win. Even though the game was over Baker also crossed the plate.
Crossville did hold the lead in the fourth inning at 8-4. Warren County’s defense responded and held Crossville scoreless in its final three trips to the plate while Warren County outscored Crossville 6-0 in the final three innings.
Warren County played a total of five games. The trip through the tourney started with a win over Livingston on Thursday night. An eight-run fifth inning cemented the win for Warren County.
Friday night was rained out for the all-stars and they came back to play two games Saturday versus Clay County and Crossville. Clay County was defeated by Warren County but Crossville sent the Warren County all-stars to the loser’s bracket.
The Sunday games were set and Warren County played three grueling games with 15-minute breaks in between. Warren County knew a loss would end its tournament run so the defense dug deep and the bats responded with runs added to the scoreboard. Warren County defeated Livingston in the first game to end its run. That left Crossville versus Warren County in the championship game. Crossville would have to lose twice if Warren County was going to carry the title back to McMinnville.
Warren County defeated Crossville in the first game 17-11. The first two innings were huge for Warren County and they gained an early lead and the defense held on and to Crossville’s surprise, forced a second and deciding game.
In the second championship game the final three innings were the deciding factor. Warren County put runs on the scoreboard and the defense held Crossville scoreless its final three trips to the plate in the championship game for a 10-8 win in an extra inning. Warren County machine-pitch all-stars claimed the regional championship and will advance to the state tournament.