If there is any truth to the saying “Good things come to those that wait”, West Greene’s baseball program must feel this years’ 9-3 win in the district tournament championship is REALLY GOOD. Not only did they have to withstand a 24-hour waiting period due to a storm that passed through southern Greene County on Monday evening, but they have also had to wait since the inception of their baseball program 52 years ago.
South Greene would get things going in the top of the first, beginning with a two-out walk by Dustin Crum. Back to back singles from Colby Brooks and Seth Franklin loaded the bases for the Rebels. TJ Buckner stepped to the plate and drove a single to center, making the score 2-0.
The two starting pitchers, Ethan Carpenter (West Greene) and Brendan Lisenby (South Greene) kept their opponents in check until the Buffaloes got on the board in the bottom of the third. Back to back walks to Conner Campbell and Jacob Greene, followed by a bunt single from Judsen Higgins, found the bases full with nobody out. Lisenby was able to avoid too much damage as he got Jhonen Bath to line out to third and Mason McCamey to fly out to deep center. The Rebels were able to get the third out of the inning as Greene tried to advance to third, but Campbell was able to cross the plate, making the score 2-1 before the tag was made.
The Rebels would tag on an extra run in the top of the fourth when Jacob Susong walked, advanced to second on a balk, and ended up at third on a Rader ground out before scoring on an infield single by Cayden Fillers to make the score 3-1.
That’s when the proverbial floodgates opened. West Greene would send 9 batters to the plate in the bottom of the fourth and score 6 runs on 7 hits, with the biggest being a two-out double off the bat of Mason McCamey to make the score 7-3 before both teams were asked to head for shelter due to lightning in the area. A heavy thunderstorm rolled through and sent both teams home for the evening.
Once the two teams got things going again on Rebel Hill, Braden McCamey would lace a triple down the right field line, scoring Mason and making the score 8-3. They were able to add an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth to extend the lead to 9-3.
Braden McCamey would come on in relief of Ethan Carpenter, who went 4 2/3 innings and surrendered 3 runs on 4 hits, but was not eligible for the win. McCamey closed out the final 3 1/3 innings to pick up the win behind 3 strikeouts, while allowing 4 hits. Lisenby suffered the loss for the Rebels.
Leading hitters for West Greene were Higgins with 3 singles, followed by Braden McCamey with a triple and single, and Mason McCamey with a double. South Greene was paced by TJ Buckner with a double and single, followed by Colten Fillers with 2 singles.
Both teams will be in action in the Region 1-2A tournament, which begins Friday. West Greene will take on Alcoa and South Greene will face Pigeon Forge.
