Rebels Rout Camden, Advance to Title Game

McKENZIE (April 23) — McKenzie Middle School baseball advanced to their district championship game with an 8-1 win Thursday over Camden. They would face the Lions again Friday with two chances to clinch the title.

The Rebels played as the away team on their home field as the Lions were the top seed and had a bye the previous day.

McKenzie scored three runs in the top of the second and two each in the third and fourth. Camden's lone run came in the bottom of the fourth. The Rebels added one in the fifth.

Rebel Rex Thompson was 3-for-3 with a triple, three RBIs and a run scored. Dierks Ghyers was 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI. Owen Epperson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Jake Ghyers was 1-for-2 with two walks and a run scored. Seth Stafford was 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Reed Gaskins was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Jackson Barden was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Leighem Broyles was 1-for-4 with a stolen base. Kenden Coleman was 0-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored.

Lion Gavin M. was 1-for-2. Ryder J. was 1-for-3. Weston P. was 0-for-3 with a run scored and two stolen bases.

Seth Stafford earned the win for McKenzie, allowing one unearned run on one hit while walking three and striking out eight in five and a third innings. Mason Davidson pitched the final two-thirds of an inning, allowing no runs on one hit with no walks.

Gavin M. got the start for Camden, allowing two earned runs on three hits while walking one and striking out one in one inning. Jack M. faced four batters, allowing one earned run on two hits and two walks. Ryder J. threw the final five innings, allowing five runs (one earned) on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.