Diamond Canes Fall to Morgan

The ‘Canes fell to region foe Morgan County 9-3 Tuesday evening at home to extend their regular season record to 1-4.

They could only manage four hits, led by Brady McMichael with two singles, one in the fifth inning and one in the seventh.

A. J. Thomas had a single in the fourth and Dee Chapman blasted a double in the seventh.

Clay Hardy, Pat Clement, Jonathan Bell and Lane Thomas each had a walk. Kevin Camp pitched six innings giving up nine hits including two long balls, however he only gave up one walk and that was to the first batter he faced in the top of the seventh.

Sophomore Walt McMichael came on in relief and after walking the first two batters settled down to throw well, striking out two batters.

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The Morgan Bulldogs were up 1-0 at the end of the third inning, took a 3-2 lead in the fourth, and a 6-1 lead in the fifth before adding three more runs in the top of the seventh.

The ‘Canes didn’t have a base runner until the fourth inning when they earned a walk, only to have it erased when they got caught stealing.

They had their opportunity in the fourth, but left the bases loaded. Their other two runs came in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, but it was too little too late.

The team did post their first win this past Friday, and they did it in dramatic fashion. Down 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh, they scored three runs to defeat Social Circle 3-2.

Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Chris Jenkins said, “It was one of those games where we started off slow on offense. We had our chances in the middle innings but never took advantage. In the bottom of the seventh Pat Clement got on base and two perfect bunts by Jonathan Bell and Taylor Fields loaded the bases.

“We picked up one run on a wild pitch, then we got walks by Brady McMichael and Lane Thomas to force in another run to tie the game at 2-2. With two outs Dee Chapman hit a double to drive in the winning run. Dee also went six innings on the mound and only allowed one earned run.

Walt McMichael came on to throw a scoreless seventh inning and picked up the win. We’re still not hitting the ball like we’re capable of doing, but pitching and defense has been there, and if that continues the bats will come around.”

The team is scheduled to host Eastside at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 9. They are also scheduled to host Pike next Tuesday at 5 p.m, and travel to Social Circle next Wednesday.

The Middle School ‘Canes were to play yesterday.