Coffee County Edges Warriors in Low-Scoring Baseball Battle

The White County Warriors were the only local team able to complete a game on Tuesday after storms and wet field conditions forced the softball team and middle school baseball team to either shorten or reschedule their contests. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the full seven innings they were able to play didn’t go their way, as White County was unable to push a run across the plate in a 2-0 loss to Coffee County.

Neither team found much offensive rhythm early, as the scoreboard showed zeros through the first three and a half innings. Despite the lack of scoring, the Warriors threatened on several occasions. Austin Pionke opened the game with a leadoff double but was picked off at second base two pitches later. In the second inning, White County again showed signs of life when Preston Taylor and Clay Brewington recorded back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second, but a double play ended the inning before the Warriors could capitalize.

Pionke reached base again in the third inning, but the threat ended when Griffin Adams struck out to close the frame.

Coffee County finally broke the scoreless tie in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Warrior starter Will Thomas hit a batter to open the inning before surrendering a double to Coffee County’s Davis McKenzie, allowing the Red Raiders to take a 1-0 lead. Coffee County added another run in the following inning when a pair of singles, along with a stolen base, allowed pinch runner Parker Daniel to score and extend the lead to 2-0.

Both teams would manage one more baserunner before the end of the game, but neither side could generate any additional offense.

Thomas took the loss on the mound, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six. Griffin Adams worked the final inning for the Warriors, giving up one hit in relief.

WHITE COUNTY BOX SCORE

HITS: Austin Pionke 2, Clay Brewington 2, Preston Taylor 1
2B: Austin Pionke, Clay Brewington
TB: Austin Pionke 3, Clay Brewington 3, Preston Taylor 1
SB: Austin Pionke

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Photos by Linda Richardson