Daniel Boone's Chandler Justice is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in the first inning of Wednesday's District 1-4A playoff game against West Ridge.
Daniel Boone’s Graham Jones rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning of Wednesday’s District 1-4A playoff game against West Ridge.
Daniel Boone's Chandler Justice is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in the first inning of Wednesday's District 1-4A playoff game against West Ridge.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD/SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Daniel Boone's Chandler Justice is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in the first inning of Wednesday's District 1-4A playoff game against West Ridge.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD/SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Daniel Boone pitcher Liam Strouth throws a pitch for a strike in the second inning of Wednesday’s District 1-4A playoff game with West Ridge.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD/SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Daniel Boone’s Graham Jones rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning of Wednesday’s District 1-4A playoff game against West Ridge.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD/SIX RIVERS MEDIA
West Ridge pitcher Cade Duncan throws a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday’s District 1-4A playoff game with Daniel Boone.
Daniel Boone had enough firepower to overcome West Ridge in Wednesday evening’s District 1-4A baseball tournament opener at TVA Credit Union Ballpark.
The Trailblazers captured a 13-8 win over the Wolves in a game that saw multiple momentum swings. The late game between Science Hill and Dobyns-Bennett was still in progress at press time. A full report on the second game can be seen on the Johnson City Press and Kingsport Times News websites.
West Ridge scored three runs in the top of the first inning before Boone rallied with five in the second to take a 7-4 lead. The teams weren’t done as the Wolves scored the next four runs, only to see Daniel Boone regain the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth.
Boone (20-6) had 13 hits, six of them for extra bases.
“I liked our resolve. I knew this bunch wouldn’t lay down for anyone,” Boone coach Scott Hagy said. “We touched several baseballs, hit some off the walls on this big park. We hit the ball very hard and I’m pleased with that.”
Graham Jones did more than hit one off the wall, he sent a two-run home run flying over the left-field fence in the second inning. It was part of a five-run inning, while the junior outfielder finished the night 3-for-3 and one walk to score four runs and also drive in four.
“It was a pretty good night,” Jones said in a classic understatement. “As soon as I hit that (home run), I knew it was gone. I know it was tournament time and I was a little nervous in the (batter’s) box, but as soon as I stepped in there, the nerves went away. The first pitch I saw, I put it out of here.”
He wasn’t alone with the big offensive performances. Chandler Justice went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Brayden Blankenship had two doubles and Jackson Utsman hit a triple to deep center field.
Liam Strouth went 2 1/3 innings before giving way to Garrison Jones, who got the win. Braydon Norton threw the final two innings to close out the game.
WEST RIDGE CHALLENGES
The Wolves (10-16) found the gaps to come up with 14 hits overall. Morgan Ward and Brayden Barr each went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs driven in. Josh Seto, Kas Click and Alex Ireson had two hits apiece.
“We were back and forth the whole way until the last inning, they put up a four-spot,” West Ridge coach Michael Hoover said. “We made a final challenge at the end. We did what we needed to give ourselves a chance to win. We were able to get some big hits and I’m proud of my guys and proud of their effort. We just have to come back tomorrow with the same mentality.”
The losers’ bracket game will be at 5 p.m. Thursday at TVA Credit Union Ballpark, followed by the winners’ bracket semifinal.
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