Story and photos by Kailee Means:
The DeKalb County Tigers defeated White County on Tuesday night 7-1 in baseball action in Smithville.
Each team started out slow on offense, but The Tigers took the lead in the second inning. They then expanded the lead with four runs in the fourth inning. They added two more runs in the fifth inning. The Warriors scored in the seventh inning, but the Tigers cruised to the win.
It was the second win for the Tigers over the Warriors in as many nights.
“I feel like they played well,” said DCHS head coach Tad Webb. “Tip my hat to them, they kept us off balance early on and were able to settle in and get something going. I think both teams cleaned it up tonight defensively, they made some plays and we made some plays. Every night is a new night and every time you step in the box it’s a new at bat so, never know what is going to happen.”
DeKalb County senior Isaac Knowles led the Tigers at the dish, going ⅔. Knowles also stole seven bases during the game. White County senior Daniel Paul led the Warriors with two hits in three at-bats.
Webb tipped his cap to his pitchers. Senior Patrick Cantrell pitched the first five innings and struck out 12 batters. Cantrell also surrendered zero runs on three hits. Senior Avery South came in for relief the last two innings and struck out one batter.
“Patrick wasn’t at his best tonight, but still had enough to get us through,” said Webb. “Then Avery came in and shut it down and he was pinpoint with his pitches.”
The Tigers are set to take on Lawrence County at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Warriors will travel to Franklin County at 6 p.m. on Thursday night.
