Dixie Over Shawnee.
J. C. Tilton

Dixie prevailed over fellow South Western Buckeye Conference foe Preble Shawnee. The victory was due to solid relief pitching and scoring that was primed by the Hayes brothers. After tacking on some insurance runs late in the 7th inning, Dixie would win 5-1.

Both teams threatened early, putting runners on base in the first couple of innings. But then, starting pitcher Ethan Hayes got into trouble – loading the bases with Arrow runners. The score was 0-0, but Shawnee looked ready to break the game open. Coach Bingham made the decision to pull his starter, he would later relate that Hayes just didn’t have good stuff for this game. Then relief pitcher Wes Smith was called upon to put out the fire.

He coolly dispatched the next three batters – not allowing a single run. In the game, he would have three consecutive innings where the batters were sent down 1-2-3. Shawnee did score a run on a sacrifice fly. But the Hayes brothers – Ryan and Ethan would provide some offense, scoring first for Dixie and putting them ahead.

Coach Bingham commented on Smith’s relief work, “He came in with bases loaded and nobody out and got out of it clean. That was a big situation. He has thrown good all year, this puts him at 6 and 2. He has been a solid pitcher for us.”

Next he was asked about Dixie scoring, “Ryan Hayes reached on a walk and scored on a passed ball. Ethan Hayes singled to drive in a run. In the sixth inning we touched them up for a couple of hits. They walked Ryan Hayes, sacrificed him to second, and Ethan Hayes drove him in. The brothers have done a great job. Tyler Harris singled to drive in Ethan Hayes. Then in the seventh we touched them up again. Mike Hall reached first on a hit by pitch. We did a hit and run – Luke Bowling singled to right field scoring him. Garret Moore then singled and drove him in. Aaron Worley drove in the games final run.”

The team would later play Middletown Fenwick where they would play close until late in the game when Fenwick broke the game wide open and would double up the Greyhounds 14-7. This would put the teams record at 17-8 and third place in the league. The last league game is against rival Brookville and then Dixie will begin tournament play as a number two seed. Comments: chrisaukcam@gmail.com