HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The Marion County Warriors secured a 3-0 victory over CSAS on Friday night, punching their ticket to the District Championship against Sequatchie County. If the game went anything like the regular season, Sequatchie County would have been the favorite to win. However, that wasn’t the case, as Marion County stunned Sequatchie County 8-5 when it mattered most.
The Warriors jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second inning when Zade Pemberton singled, driving in the first run of the game. The next two runs came off an error by the Indians, allowing Marion County to extend their lead. The Warriors added another run in the third following yet another error by Sequatchie County.
Marion County’s offense continued in the fifth. Elijah Yell singled on a ground ball to the third baseman, scoring Eli Thacker. Jayden Calhoon followed with a sacrifice fly to center, making it 6-0. The Warriors finished their scoring in the sixth, tacking on two more runs.
All five of Sequatchie County’s runs came in the bottom of the seventh. Things got a little too close for comfort, but Marion County held on to claim their fourth consecutive District Championship.
Senior Luke Tipton was on the bump for the Warriors and delivered a strong performance. He threw 6 ⅓ innings, allowing seven hits and four runs. Tipton struck out five and walked four. Senior Mason Shrum led the Warriors with two RBIs. Calhoon and Pemberton paced Marion County with two hits each. The Warriors were aggressive on the base paths, racking up six steals. With this win, Marion County is now in position to win the Region Tournament for the second year in a row.
Marion County returns to action on Friday, May 9. The location and game time are still TBD.
