Reid Mitchell launched a three-run homer in the sixth inning to give the Tigers a much-needed shot in the arm. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
Starting pitcher Eli Cross went 4 2/3 innings on the mound and allowed six runs on 10 hits. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
ciers@bedfordcountypost.com
TULLAHOMA — Tullahoma never had a huge inning against visiting Marshall County on Wednesday afternoon, but was able to pad its lead, little-by-little.
The Wildcats grabbed an early lead then fought to hold off Marshall County late to take a 7-3 win over the Tigers.
Marshall County threatened out of the gates and put two runners in scoring position with two outs, but couldn’t get the timely hit to push across a run in the first inning.
Tiger starter Eli Cross answered with two quick outs, but a single and a double allowed Tullahoma to score the first run of the game before Cross forced a fly out to end the inning.
A lead-off triple and a two-run homer by the Wildcats helped Tullahoma pad its lead in the third, while Marshall County continued to struggle at the plate and a three-run fifth put the Wildcats up 6-0.
But Marshall County came through with a huge inning of its own to keep the game within reach.
Cross drew a lead-off walk and Cahlin Henry followed with a single to left.
Then, senior Reid Mitchell stepped to the plate and crushed a three-run blast to center field, giving the Tigers much-needed life.
Although Marshall County managed to cut the Tullahoma lead in half, the Wildcats got one back in the bottom of the sixth to preserve the four-run win.
Cross got the nod for the Tigers and went 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits with three strike outs.
Aden Kirby pitched the final 1 1/3 innings in relief and gave up one run on two hits.
At the plate, Mitchell’s three-run blast was the biggest hit of the night, while Henry recorded a pair of base hits.
Marshall Co. 000 003 0 — 3 5 0
Tullahoma 102 031 x — 7 12 0
Marshall Co.: Cahlin Henry 2-for-2, Reid Mitchell 1-for-3, Lucas Hery 1-for-3, Gibson Miller 1-for-3.
WP: Bratcher
LP: Cross
