The Stone Memorial Panthers chose the perfect time to win their first game over a District 6AAA opponent on Thursday as they defeated Rhea County 4-2 in the opening round of the district tournament.

“That’s something we wanted to get accomplished this year,” said SMHS coach Trent Stokes. “We wanted to do some things we haven’t done before.

“It was about getting their mentality right. Getting these boys to believe it, and not just say it. Dylan Whittenburg pitched a fantastic game. He kept them guessing all night.”

Whittenburg did what needed to be done as he held the Golden Eagles to two runs while striking out five and walking only one.

Rhea County struck first as they took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.

Christian Carlton answered as he was able to score Cameron McDonald in the top of the third to tie the contest at 1-1, and again in the top of the fifth to take a 2-1 lead.

SMHS gave Whittenburg two insurance runs in the top of the sixth via a McDonald single to score Ethan Todd and Jacob Brown stealing home to put Stone Memorial ahead 4-1.

Rhea County added a run in the bottom of the sixth, making the final score 4-2.

The win makes history for the SMHS baseball program as they advanced to the District 6AAA semifinals for the first time.

“It’s a big step forward,” said Stokes. “It’s big knowing we can come out here and compete with our district.”

Stone Memorial and Cookeville’ semifinal matchup is a three-game series in which the Cavaliers won game one 7-1 on Friday. Inclement weather moved Saturday’s game two to Monday afternoon at Stone Memorial.

SMHS currently sits at 12-17 on the season after Friday’s defeat at Cookeville. 

Updates will be available on the Crossville Chronicle Twitter at

@CrossvilleNews.

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