Brutal first inning cuts down Vikes

Viking shortstop Joseph Freebury glides over an MTC baserunner for an errant throw. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Any baseball fan who read a box score where the teams had 15 and 13 hits, respectively, and where the starting pitcher on the team with 13 hits allowed only four earned runs, would think that they were looking at a close ball game, right?

Community right-hander Cody Pierce allowed two earned runs in the first inning to Middle Tennessee Christian only to find himself down 12-0 before his team had an opportunity to hit.

Playing in their final regular season game and last district game before the District 9-A tournament, Community pounded two Cougar pitchers and scored nine runs yet fell 22-9 in five innings due to the mercy rule.

"It is just hard to explain how we can commit eight errors on some of the most fundamental plays imaginable time and time again this late in the season," Viking coach Josh Burrahm said.

"When we have good pitching and hitting, we don't catch the ball and when we play good defense we can't put it in play. We are a young team but it is a frustrating situation."

Lance Paschal and Michael Smith led the way offensively for the Purple and Gold with three hits apiece. Paschal stroked two doubles, four RBIs and scored two runs while Smith had an extra base hit and scored three runs with two RBIs.

Dustin White added two hits, two RBIs and scored two runs as well as pitched two innings in relief of Pierce.

MTC was led by Taylor Beckham, Ross Pepper and Tim Hendrix with three hits each and scored 11 runs between them.

Andrew Kuhn picked up the win for the Cougars despite allowing a parade of Viking baserunners throughout the contest.

"I like where we are as an offensive team and our pitching has been good enough to win games," Burrahm said. "We just need to catch the baseball."

Community faces Eagleville at Middle Tennessee Christian to begin District 9-A tournament play on Friday at 3.