Rebels 2-2 as Conference Tourney Hosts

McKENZIE (April 26-27) — The McKenzie Middle School Rebels hosted the Tri-County Conference baseball tournament over the weekend. The top-seed Rebels went 2-2 in a tough field with both losses coming to Camden, including a heartbreaking elimination loss Sunday afternoon that came down to the last batter.

First Round: Camden Lions 6, McKenzie Rebels 0

The Rebels couldn't get anything going in Saturday's first game, while the Lions scored a run in the first, two in the second, one in the third and two in the sixth.

McKenzie's Leighem Broyles was 1-for-2, and Hudson Garrett was 1-for-3.

Tucker Redmond got the start for the Rebels, allowing three runs (one earned) on no hits while striking out one and walking one in one and a third innings. Parker Ross threw three and two-thirds innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four and walking five. Dawson Reeder took the last inning, allowing one unearned run on one hit while striking out two and walking none.

Lower Bracket: Rebels 13, Henry County Patriots 3

McKenzie fared much better in their second game Saturday, scoring five runs in the second and six in the third. The Patriots got on the board with three in the top of the fourth, but the Rebels plated a pair in the home half.

Rebel Hudson Garrett was 1-for-3 with four RBIs. Dierks Ghyers went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Leighem Broyles was 1-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Rex Thompson went 2-for-2 with three runs scored and two stolen bases. Seth Stafford was 1-for-2 with an RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Dawson Reeder went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Lane Brown was 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Brayden Mort went 1-for-1 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Five pitchers, Lane Brown, Dawson Reeder, Hudson Garrett, Seth Stafford and Rex Thompson each had brief stints on the mound for McKenzie's win, allowing a combined three runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out two and walking three in four innings.

Quarterfinal: Rebels 16, Central Tigers 1

McKenzie made quick work of the Tigers Sunday afternoon, scoring nine in the bottom of the first and three in the second. Central scored a lone run in the top of the third, and the Rebels finished the game with four in the home half.

Rebel Leighem Browles was 2-for-3 with an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. Lane Brown was 1-for-1 with two walks, an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. Dierks Ghyers went 1-for-3 with two RBIs, a run scored and a stolen base. Bryson Smith was 1-for-1 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Hudson Garrett was 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Rex Thompson went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored. Seth Stafford was 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, an RBI and two runs scored. Dawson Reeder went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases. Parker Ross was 0-for-1 with three walks, two RBIs, a run scored and a stolen base.

Lane Brown got the start for McKenzie, allowing no runs, hits or walks while striking out three in two innings. Brin Murray pitched the final frame, allowing one unearned run on one hit while striking out two and walking one.

Semifinal: Lions 5, Rebels 4

McKenzie was eliminated Sunday afternoon in a thriller. Camden struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first. McKenzie tied it with a run each in the second and third, then took the lead with one in the top of the fourth. Camden knotted the game at 3-3 with a run in the home half, where the score remained for two innings. The Rebels pulled ahead with one in the top of the seventh, but Camden pushed across two in the bottom half for the win.

Rebel Seth Stafford was 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Rex Thompson went 2-for-2 with two walks. Leighem Broyles was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.  Lane Brown went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Hudson Garrett was 1-for-3.  Dawson Reeder went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Dierks Ghyers was 1-for-4.

Dawson Reeder got the start for McKenzie, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk while recording no outs. Seth Stafford pitched four innings in relief, allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out seven and walking five. Lane Brown threw the final two and a third innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out two and walking none.