BATESVILLE – Nine was the magic number for the Batesville Jr. American Legion team as it swept a doubleheader from Cleveland, July 8.
Batesville had a 9-0 lead in the first game going into the top of the fourth inning. Cleveland came alive in the fourth to take advantage of some Batesville errors and a tiring pitcher to score four runs. Then Cleveland scored one run in the top of the fifth inning.
Batesville was able to regroup and hold the team to no runs in the last two innings for the 9-5 win.
Walt Love picked up the win for Batesville and Jameson Rodgers got the save.
The second game was more interesting as both teams went deep into the pitching ranks.
Some solid hitting by Batesville was the difference in the 9-7 win.
Batesville scored four runs in the first inning as Cleveland walked five batters. A double and run batted in (RBI) by Eric Neth was the only hit in the first inning.
Cleveland did not lay down for that slap in the face and proceeded to score five runs to take the lead in the second inning, 5-4.
Lead batter Barrett Johnson was the lead off batter in the second inning. He singled to get on base and Walt Love walked. A single by Josh Boren drove home those two runs for Batesville to retake the lead 6-5.
Batesville scored two runs in the fourth inning. Hunter Coy’s single drove home two runs, and a double by Love drove home a run in the sixth inning.
Though Cleveland did manage some hits in the other innings, it was pretty quiet with the runs until the top of the seventh. Cleveland loaded the bases and managed to score two runs.
Though Cleveland had the bases loaded, a fly ball to centerfield, a strikeout and a tagout at home ended the game before Cleveland could manage to tie the score and take the lead.
