By David Jackson/Forever Communications
McKenzie, Tenn.–McKenzie won two back to back games Saturday to advance to the state championship on Sunday in Murfreesboro. The first game Saturday’s was a heartbreaker for Peabody in the winners bracket as they lost the lead late in an 8-2 defeat. The game was tied at two with McKenzie batting in the top of the fifth when Hayden Hixon singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.
The Peabody struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing McKenzie, giving up eight runs.
It came down to the wire on Saturday, with McKenzie taking victory on a dramatic walk-off single in the late innings that sealed their victory over Peabody. The game was tied at seven with McKenzie batting in the bottom of the seventh when Zayden McCaslinsingled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run.
Despite falling down by four runs in the fifth inning, Peabody tried to fight back. Peabody scored four runs in the failed comeback on a single by Jett McAlister, a single by Sidney Hammonds, and a single by Eli Girard.
McKenzie captured the lead in the first inning. McKenzie scored three runs when Tate Surberdoubled.
McCaslin led the McKenzie to victory on the hill. The hurler went two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out one and walking one.
McAlister took the loss for Peabody.
Hayden Hixon started the game for McKenzie. The ace allowed seven hits and four runs over six and a third innings, striking out five Orlandis Ivory started the game for Peabody. The hurler lasted one inning, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out one
McKenzie smacked one home run on the day. Jackson Cassidy went yard in the fifth inning.
McKenzie saw the ball well today, racking up seven hits in the game. Hixon and McCaslin all collected multiple hits for McKenzie. McCaslin and
Rain delays have forced McKenzie to struggle for pitching in the championship game tomorrow as most if not all the Rebels main starters are at their pitching limit. They will face Eagleville, who have had full rest for their ace starters. Good luck Rebels.