The Volunteer State squad claimed its 10th victory in the series and for the fourth time the outcome was a one-run difference with the host team coming out on top of a 3-2 final at Ooltewah’s A.C. Bud Ball Field.
Tennessee used seven pitchers in the nine-inning contest, including Walker Valley’s Bobby Towne pitching the ninth for a save, while Bradley Central’s Jordan Whitmire garnered a “hold” in a setup situation.
East Hamilton’s Patrick Parris started the game on the hill and after allowing just one hit in two innings gave way to Jake Leffew, from Soddy-Daisy, Ranuel Perez and South Pittsburg’s Matt Allen.
Soddy-Daisy’s Haydyn Bailey picked up the victory despite giving up a game-tying run by allowing a hit, a walk and hitting a batter in the seventh frame. Dalton Rodgers picked up his Trojan teammate by scoring what turned out to be the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh after reaching on a fielder’s choice. Allen laced a single to bring Rodgers in from second base.
Former Bear ace Whitmire, who is heading to Bryan College, came on to pitch the eighth inning and held the Peach State boys at bay before giving way to Mustang ace Towne. The future Cleveland State Cougar did surrender a pair of hits before shutting the door for the save.
Tennessee hurlers allowed just a half dozen hits, while striking out nine.
Sequatchie County’s Hunter Hudson earned game Most Valuable Player award after going 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored. Troy signee T.J Binder, from Ooltewah, also went 2-for-3 and was named Tennessee’s Most Outstanding Player
Ooltewah head coach Brian Hitchcox was happy to get the win but felt like the game shouldn’t have been as close as it was due to his team leaving the bases loaded three times.
