Coach Bill Triplett’s team put five runs on the scoreboard over the first three innings Tuesday and held off the homestanding Chiefs the rest of the way for a 6-4 District 5-AA win.
Sequoyah, which suffered its first 5-AA loss in five games, scored single runs in the final two innings, but could not quite catch the front-running Wildcats.
The victory was Polk County’s first in district play after a home loss to Meigs County earlier in the season. The weather has hampered Polk County in recent games.
Monday’s home game with Sequoyah was rescheduled for today because of the threat of severe weather.
Polk County was fortunate to get its early runs against Sequoyah hurler Deandre Allen on Tuesday. The Chiefs’ hurler allowed only four hits for the game, but a Polk County three-spot in the first inning, and two more runs the next two innings, proved to be the difference.
“We played well for our first distirct victory,” said coach Bill Triplett. “We hit the ball hard, but many of them were right at them. We also got some timely hits.”
“Today is a big game for us,” added Triplett. “A win will put us in the district lead, and give us a tie-breaker over Sequoyah.”
Polk County had a mound star of its own in senior Jared Allen. Allen, a University of Tennessee signee, ran his record to 2-1 with nine strikeouts. He allowed only six hits in the game, but the Wildcats handicapped themselves with six errors.
Allen also had a big day at the plate, scoring two runs. Tyler Lee had a double to pace Polk County’s four-hit attack.
Sequoyah’s Allen went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for the Chiefs.
Polk County improved its season record to 9-6 overall, and 1-1 in the district. Sequoyah is now 4-1 in district play, but will be at risk of losing the league lead in today’s follow-up game against the Wildcats.
Triplett also praised the support of the Wildcats’ fans, who have followed the team faithfully this season.
WILDCATS 6, CHIEFS 4
Polk County 311 010 0 — 6 4 6
Sequoyah 002 001 1 — 4 6 3
WP: Jared Allen (PC) 1 ER 9 Ks. LP: Deandre Allen. 2B: Tyler Lee (PC). Deandre Allen 2-4, 2 RBIs.Records: Polk County 9-6 nd 1-1 District 5AAA. Sequoyah 4-1, 4-1.
