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Why elbow injury hasn't slowed pitcher Tanner Lane from producing for Goodpasture baseball

George Robinson
Nashville Tennessean

MADISON – The disappointment is evident on Tanner Lane's face when he talks about the injury to the UCL ligament in his throwing elbow.

Goodpasture baseball's No. 1 pitcher wasn't fond of the thought of not pitching this season. The Western Kentucky signee was one of the hardest throwing left-handed hurlers in Middle Tennessee until that January injury shut him down on the mound.

But Lane never missed a game, shifting to his backup position at first base while providing a spark on offense. His production in a Division II-A tournament doubleheader Wednesday helped carry the defending state champions back to the final four at Spring Fling next week in Murfreesboro.

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"At this point, it's just doing whatever I can to help my team win," Lane said after Goodpasture (33-4) beat Tipton-Rosemark 11-1 in the first game and 21-0 in the second. "I may not be able to help them the way I had originally envisioned, but there's so much more I can still do."

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior was devastated when he learned he tore his UCL in January after spending time throwing during the preseason. He was clocking in the low 90s with his fastball prior to the injury. It was apparent after the injury that he wouldn't pitch this season.

But it didn't sideline him. As long as he could manage any discomfort he could continue to play. Lane said he'll have surgery immediately after the season ends.

"I have no problems at the plate, swinging the bat," he said. "I'm good there. I can throw the ball. I just can't pitch."

Goodpasture’s Tanner Lane (20) celebrates after hitting a double to center field against  Tipton Rosemark in the third inning during the division II-A quarterfinal baseball game Wednesday, May 17, 2023, in Madison, Tenn.

In Wednesday's two games, Lane was a combined 3-for-6 with four runs scored and eight RBIs. He smashed a home run in the first game and nearly hit another in the second. Goodpasture hit four homers in the second game, including two from shortstop, and Tennessee signee, Carson Rucker.

Meanwhile, Lane has been punishing opponents with a .398 average to go along with eight home runs and 41 RBIs.

"I was proud of the kids and the way they battled through some things (Wednesday)," Goodpasture coach Jim Carter said. "Carson was sick and up all night. Connor (Martin) got hurt in the first game but came back. It's just sort of indicative of what this team has been about all season."

Few have exemplified that more than Lane. He had to adjust his approach to the season before it began and that effort has contributed to the Cougars' District 4 title and a Middle Region championship.

"It was kind of a shock to the system for him, when it happened and a shock to all of us," Carter said. "But what happened was that Tanner just leaned on the program and leaned on his teammates and they rallied around him."

"It has been a challenge for him at times and in this series last year he won Game 3 to put us in Murfreesboro. There's some raw emotion and raw feelings, but the way he's responded all year, it's just a great testament to who he is."

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.