‘Canes Fall in Run to Postseason

The Monticello Hurricane varsity baseball teams hopes for a run at a state title came to an end Friday with two losses in a doubleheader against Jeff Davis.

The ‘Canes fell 11-1 in the first of two games and 8-1 in the second match. It was not the team on the field that had played so well in the past weeks of region play.

“We did not play bad Friday, but it was not our best performance, and when you get to that level, against a team of that caliber, you have to play almost flawless ball,” said Head Coach Chris Jenkins.

“Had we come through with a big hit on one of the several occasions we loaded the bases, the outcome of the second game may have been different. But we were not able to put the necessary pressure on them, allowing them the ability to relax at the plate and pull away late in the game.”

He continued, ”Even though it was a disappointing end to the season, the coaching staff and I are still extremely proud of what was accomplished this year. Eight games into the season, it looked like we would struggle to win more than 5 or 6 games total.

“For us to finish with 15 wins, and have a chance to win the region going into the last week of the season, is a testament to the boys’ work ethic and competitiveness. Even dealing with several ill-timed distractions, they banded together and came to work every day.”

“Our seniors Justin Bradley, Chase Caron, Aaron Newton, and Dusty Womack played a major role in this. They were exactly what you want out of a senior class, kids that led by example and always put the team first. They will be sorely missed.”