Barnes leads Middle Champs past Cornersville

Nolan Barnes allowed just one hit in five innings on the hill for Cascade. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Nolan Barnes did damage both on the mound and at the plate to lead Cascade Middle to a run-ruled 16-2 win over visiting Cornersville Middle on Tuesday night.

With his team trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning, the Champion eighth grader singled home a pair of runs to tie the game. Blake Floyd followed with a groundout to the right side to plate courtesy runner Grant Snell with the go-ahead score.

Barnes returned to the hill in the second and tossed up goose eggs from then on. Midway through the southpaw retired 12 batters in a row. He racked up six strikeouts while allowing five walks and just one hit over five innings pitched.

Barnes also reached base safely in all three plate appearances, including two hits. Eight of the nine starters scored at least one run.

A 10-run third inning helped Cascade distance itself from the Bulldogs.

Ty Lowery was the losing pitcher.

The Champs head to Cornersville on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.