Sox torch Blazers for first win

Tyler Bowman (3) comes over to give Sox teammate Brad Meeks some words of encouragement before a crucial at-bat early in the contest. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

After going 0-6 to start off their first season in the Tennessee Baseball Federation, the Shelbyville Sox notched one for the win column on Wednesday night, taking down the Nashville Blazers 6-2 at Cascade High.

Shelbyville loaded the bases in the bottom half of the second inning but were unable to scratch a run across. They didn't leave as many ducks on the pond in the next frame, crossing the plate six times.

Joey Simmons singled with one out to start the third-inning rally. Donnie Cruse and Brad Meeks earned walks to load the bases. Josh Simmons worked a free pass to plate their first score. With two down, Danny Parker singled to right field to score a pair. Carlos Arroyo followed with a run-scoring base knock himself. Garrett Wagner capped the frenzy with a single through the 3-4 hole that tallied two RBIs.

The cushion was all Sox starting pitcher Tyler Bowman needed. The left-hander was efficient in his nine-inning, complete-game performance. He struck out a season-best 12, while allowing nine hits and only two walks.

"From the start my curveball was on so that made my fastball that much more effective," Bowman said. "Their lineup was stacked with good left-handed hitters, which played in my favor from a pitching standpoint.

"My stuff was on and my arm was strong tonight, but a lot of credit has to go to clutch hitting and great defense behind me that came through with big plays."

The glovework behind Bowman (1-1) was by far the best thus far for the Shelbyville bunch, committing but two errors.

Wagner had two of his team's seven hits.

The Sox head to Madison for a rematch against the Tennessee Travelers, who defeated the local boys 8-0 back on May 18.