Senators Down Young Harris In Game One
Young Harris, GA - The Walters State Senators (53-7) got themselves one step closer to returning to Grand Junction, CO on Friday, as they defeated the Mountain Lions of Young Harris (50-13) 5-0 in game one of the East Central District Tournament hosted by Young Harris. The victory puts the Senators one win away from a birth in the 2008 Junior College World Series.
The Senators got on the board early in the 1st inning, as Chad Hunter drew a leadoff walk, then advanced to third on a single to right field by catcher Dylan Pratt. Hunter then scored the games first run on a sacrifice flyout to left field by Adam Milligan.
Walters State would score again in the 4th inning, as Kyle Koeneman started a two-out rally with single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Following a Nick Langley walk, Will Skinner came through with an RBI single to centerfield to score Koeneman with the games second run.
The Senators distanced themselves from the Mountain Lions a little with a 5th inning rally. Hunter reached on an error, followed by a Pratt double down the left field line to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Milligan then came threw as he lined a 3-0 pitch to center for a 2-run single to make it 4-0.
The games final run would come as Skinner would start the 8th inning with a single, and was sacrificed to second by Alex McClure. Skinner then scored as Hunter would reach on a fielding error.
On the mound for the Senators, freshman lefty Chad Bell was dominant. The TJCCAA Pitcher of the Year scattered 7 hits, all singles, in a complete game shutout. Bell walked only two batters while striking out four Mountain Lions.
For Young Harris, Michael Glantz and Mike Markakis led the way with 2 hits each. Mark Swanson took the loss on the mound, his first of the season, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits over 6 innings of work.
Game Two of the best-of-three series is slated for 5:00 PM on Saturday on the campus of Young Harris College.
Walters State 5
Young Harris 0