HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
In the final full week of the regular season for high school baseball, the Whitwell Tigers traveled to Sequatchie County for the second time this year. The Tigers (18-9-1) were out to prove that their 3-0 win over the Indians earlier in the season was no fluke. Once again, Whitwell came out on top, this time with a 4-2 victory.
Much like the first matchup, head coach Chad Billingsley gave the ball to southpaw Jacob McCurry. The senior and Bryan College signee had only allowed one run coming into the game and had already thrown three no-hitters this season—including one in the previous game against Sequatchie County.
McCurry was dominant once again last Tuesday, striking out 14 while allowing just two hits, two runs, and four walks. The Tigers struck first in the second inning when Garrett Miller singled down the line, driving in McCurry. Miller tried to stretch it into a double but was tagged out before reaching the bag.
In the fourth inning, Whitwell created some separation. After turning a double play to get two quick outs, the Tigers’ bats came alive. Colin Beason sparked the rally by reaching base, followed by a single from Cayden Green. Brody Harvey then singled to left field, bringing in Beason. Brayden Riley followed with a single to load the bases for McCurry, who drove in Green with a ball in play. Bennett Goforth capped the inning with an RBI single up the middle.
Sequatchie County answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth. The fifth inning looked dangerous for Whitwell, as the Indians loaded the bases with no outs. But McCurry, showing his experience, induced a ground ball that led to a double play. A run scored, but the Tigers traded it for two outs. That would be Sequatchie’s last real threat.
McCurry and Harvey led the team with two hits each. Goforth and Miller finished with a team-high in RBIs.
Whitwell is back in action on May 2 at home against the winner of South Pittsburg vs. Van Buren County for the District Championship. Game time is TBD.
