The Warren County Middle School Pioneers took a first-inning tie, 1-1, and turned it into a 4-1 win in Friday’s matchup with the visiting Prescott Bulldogs.
 “I am proud of how our team is battling. You have to have thick skin and grit in your gut,” said WCMS coach Chad Young. “These guys are tough and love the game. What else can you ask for?”
Winning the battle on the mound was key to the Pioneers (7-1, 4-0) win. Kason Holder opened for Warren County pitching to 11 hitters with 1 run, 1 hit, 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. Jace Brantley entered in the top of the fourth with a 1-1 tie, facing 14 hitters, 0 runs, 1 hit, 5 strikeouts and 2 walks. Warren County’s pitching only allowed 1 run on 2 hits with a total of 9 strikeouts.
Prescott’s pitching allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 2 strikeouts.
After Brantley retired the Bulldogs in the top of the fourth, the Pioneers had their best inning yet as lead-off batter Braden Bottoms walked to first, followed by a big left-field hit by Wyatt Wilson and another by Ty Martin, allowing two runs to score for the Pioneers, 3-1.
The Pioneers scored their final run in the sixth after Westen Wilson scored off a Wyatt Wilson sacrifice, 4-1.
Hit leaders for WCMS:
Kason Holder – 2 hits (double) and 1 run scored
Westen Wilson – 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Wyatt Wilson – 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Ty Martin – 1 hit, 2 RBIs
Braden Bottoms – 1 run scored