STAFF REPORT
PULASKI — Brennan Mealer was in mid-season form in Monday’s season opener at Giles County.
He pitched 5 2/3 innings and punched out 13 batters as the Rockets rolled past the Bobcats, 8-2.
The Rockets backed Mealer’s excellent start with a pair of four-run innings to pad the lead.
After Giles County grabbed the 1-0 lead in the third off a Rocket error, Forrest responded with a four-spot in the top of the fourth frame.
Preston Gentry scored the tying run on a passed ball and a Paxton Mealer double knocked in Carter Walk and Jake McDaniel.
A fourth run later scored off a Bobcat error.
Giles County got one run back in the bottom of the sixth on a fielder’s choice, only for Forrest to once again answer and plate four runs in the top of the next inning.
In the seventh, the Rockets laid down a perfect bunt to score Gentry and Walk doubled for the second time in the game, driving in two more runs.
The final Rocket run came on a dropped third strike and as Mealer ran for first, Branham Haynes scampered home for the eighth run of the night.
As a team, the Rockets drew a combined nine walks off the Bobcat pitching staff.
It was Walk who led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs and a run scored.
Mealer also knocked in a pair of runs and went 1-for-3 with a double.
Tyler Tackett pitched an inning on relief and gave up one hit, one walk and recorded a strikeout, while Colton Johnson tossed a scoreless 1/3 inning.
Forrest is back on its home field Tuesday, hosting Shelbyville Central, before closing the week on Friday at Eagleville.
Forrest 000 400 4 — 8 4 2
Giles Co. 001 001 0 — 2 3 3
Forrest: Branham Haynes 1-for-3, Carter Walk 2-for-3, Paxton Mealer 1-for-3.
WP: Mealer
LP: Kelley
