Choctaws answer South Gibson rally with three in the sixth

 

Jason Peevyhouse

Editor, JP Productions Sports

Dyer County head a five-run lead heading into the sixth only to see it disappear in the top of the frame, then over half of it reappear in the bottom half on the way to a 9-6 win over South Gibson on Tuesday night in Newbern.

The Choctaws took a 6-1 lead into the sixth inning looking to avenge the previous night’s loss at Medina. The Hornets were set on not letting that happen, scoring five times in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 6-6.

Dyer County rallied early in the bottom of the sixth, getting Landon Todd and Talon Messer aboard with walks then a Weston Sims single loaded the bases with no one out. But, the Hornets got the next two batters with a fielder’s choice and a strikeout. Facing an 0-2 count on designated hitter Jake Stanley, the Choctaws got a break as a passed ball allowed Messer to score and the other two runners to move up 90 feet. Stanley then singled on a 2-2 pitch to plate two more runs and help give Dyer County a 9-6 lead heading into the seventh.

South Gibson was able to load the bases with one out but the Choctaws got a double play to end the threat and seal the District 13-3A win.

South Gibson got on the board first as Mark Brafa was hit by a pitch to lead off the top of the third then scored on a Davis McKinney sacrifice bunt later in the inning to put the Hornets up 1-0. Jacob Bateman followed with a single that looked ready to score Tommy Baker only to have him throw out at the plate by centerfielder Ty Johnson to end the inning.

The Dyer County offense opened up in the bottom of the frame with a big answer. A one-out single from Landon Daniels got the inning started then Landon Todd followed with a base hit. Talon Messer drew a walk to load the bases for Weston Sims who grounded into a fielder’s choice but brought a run home in the process. Easton Ozment singled in another run then Seth Headtke drove in two more with another base hit. Jake Stanley followed and reached on a dropped third strike which also allowed a run to score and put the Choctaws on top 5-1 after three innings.

The Choctaws tacked on a run in the bottom of the fourth as Daniels doubled with one out then scored on a wild pitch to extend the Dyer County lead to 6-1 heading into the fifth inning.

Daniels had a double and two singles to lead the way for the Choctaws at the plate. Stanley had two singles including the two-run single to add insurance to the victory.

Easton Ozment picked up the win in relief, allowing one unearned run on two hits with two strikeouts.

Dyer County returns to action on Friday when the Choctaws host Chester County at 7 p.m.

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