Post Photos by Chris Siers Kason Fuller smacks a line drive to center field, scoring Brennan Mealer for the first run of the game.
Tyler Tackett delivers a pitch against Shelbyville. Tackett went 6 1/3 innings, striking out three, but giving up just one earned run on two hits.
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
CHAPEL HILL — The Forrest Rockets (2-0) continued their hot start to the 2024 season on Tuesday night, crushing Shelbyville Central 9-1.
For the first five innings on Tuesday, it was very much a low-scoring duel between starting Rocket pitcher Tyler Tackett and Eagle starter Palmer Edwards.
The Rockets got on the board in the first inning off a Kason Fuller RBI single to center field, but Forrest was held scoreless over the next two innings.
Like wise, Tackett was effective in pitching to contact and didn’t give up a hit until a fourth inning double.
In the fourth, Forrest padded its leadoff a Branham Haynes single to left, scoring Preston Gentry.
With a 2-0 lead, and Tackett dealing on the mound, Forrest’s bats came to life and hammered the Eagles for seven runs in the sixth.
Once the Eagles (1-1) made the move to the bullpen, Forrest was able to take advantage of an error and a walk, bringing Haynes to the plate.
He broke the game open and drove home two more runs on a double to right, before Hunter Matlock added a fifth Rocket run when he grounded into a fielder’s choice.
Another double in the inning by Brennan Mealer drove home two more runs, before Gentry stepped to the plate and connected on a third two-bagger in the inning, driving in an eighth Forrest run.
Fuller added one final run on a RBI single, scoring Mealer.
The Eagles finally got one run on the board in the top of the seventh after back-to-back walks, when Blake Bone ground into a fielder’s choice.
Mealer, Fuller and Haynes all drove in two runs on the night.
Tuesday’s huge win was the second in as many days for the Rocket lineup that is red-hot to start the season.
Through two games, the Rockets have outscored their opponents 17-3.
Forrest will be put to the test on Friday as the Rockets take on defending Class 1A state champion Eagleville on the road.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Shelbyville 000 000 1 — 1 3 1
Forrest 100 107 x — 9 6 2
Forrest: Brennan Mealer 1-for-2, Preston Gentry 1-for-3, Kason Fuller 2-for-4, Branham Haynes 2-for-3.
WP: Tackett
LP: Edwards
