Rebels Fall to Hornets in 44-Run Slugfest

HUNTINGDON (March 26) — Huntingdon High School's annual Huntingdon Diamond Classic baseball tournament began Thursday afternoon with a contest between McKenzie and South Gibson. Offense ruled the day as both teams found outs hard to come by, and the Hornets claimed a 27-17 win in five innings.

McKenzie struck first with three runs in the top of the first frame, but South Gibson scored nine in the home half. The Hornets added four in the second. The Rebels plated five in the top of the third, and South Gibson responded with eight in the bottom half. McKenzie punched back with three runs in the fourth, answered for four by the Hornets. Needing four to extend the game, the Rebels managed six in the top of the fifth, but South Gibson scored two in the home half to end it.

Rebel Fletcher Holt was 4-for-4 with a home run, three doubles, eight RBIs and two runs scored. Xander Johnsey was 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored. Cooper Davidson was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Parker Ross was 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, two RBIs and two runs scored. Ace Brown was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Cole Brown was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Avery Brown was 0-for-1 with two walks, an RBI and three runs scored. Lelan Gordon was 0-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Maddox Shiell was 0-for-4 with an RBI.

Hornet Thomas Baker was 3-for-4 with a home run, a walk, six RBIs, four runs scored and a stolen base. Cason Coggins was 4-for-4 with a triple, a double, four RBIs and four runs scored. Brock Beasley was 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, two RBIs, five runs scored and a stolen base. Mark Brafa was 2-for-2 with a walk, two RBIs and four runs scored. Davis McKinney was 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Jacob Bateman was 1-for-5 with a double and seven RBIs. Cade Allen was 1-for-5 with three RBIs. Porter Prince was 0-for-1 with two walks and four runs scored. Tyler DeHaan was 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored.

Jason Strickland got the start for South Gibson, allowing eight runs (four earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out four in two and two-thirds innings. Gage Allen pitched an inning and a third, allowing three earned runs on one hit while walking one and striking out three. Drake Lewis threw the final frame, allowing six earned runs on five hits while walking two.

Tucker Redmond got the start for McKenzie, allowing four earned runs on no hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Ripken Thompson faced four batters, allowing four earned runs on four hits with no walks. Parker Ross pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits while walking one and striking out one. Aiden Legens threw one frame, allowing two earned runs on one hit with two walks and one strikeout. Maddox Shiell pitched the final inning and two-thirds, allowing ten runs (six earned) on six hits while walking two and striking out two.