Dixie Fastpitch Scores Big Against Ponitz

After splitting a doubleheader with Bethel (3-9; 13- 6) last weekend, Dixie wanted to get some momentum after their win in the second game. In the first game Dixie's Stacy Rader was 2 for 3 with a triple, and Jordan Buxton was 2 for 2. In the second game Courtney Hawk was 4 for 4 - scoring twice and stealing 2 bases. Abby Bertke was 4 for 4, scoring twice and driving in 2 runs. Both Shelby Shope and Julia Wilson were 2 for 4. Tori Bargo and Cassidy Shell split pitching duties in the win. Shelby Shope also had an impressive 7 putouts.

But they lost their first game of the week against Milton Union 7-2. Errors were a problem for the team, although Shelby Shope lead the way defensively with 5 putouts. Tori Bargo took the loss – although she only gave up a single earned run. Madison Buxton was half of the Dixie offense, hitting a single, stealing a base and finally crossing the plate. Julia Wilson scored the other Dixie run, reaching base on a double before scoring. Courtney Hawk was 2 for 2 from the plate. Julia Wilson had a double as did Katie Honeywell.

Dixie had a much bigger mountain to climb in their next game. Undefeated Preble Shawnee was the next matchup. They are undefeated thanks in part to their pitching ace - Hannah Belvo. But they are a balanced team – the hitting and defense are spot on as well. The Hounds were shut out and it was a no hitter to boot. They had a total of 10 strikeouts at the plate. Shawnee on the other hand were on the bases early and often – run ruling Dixie in a 15-0 thrashing. Errors were again a problem for Dixie with 8 miscues. Madison Buxton did get 5 put outs to lead the way on defense. Tori Bargo pitched almost the whole game with 2 earned runs. Stacy Rader completed the game allowing a single earned run.

Last game of the week was against Ponitz Career Technology Center. Having been frustrated all week, it was time for Dixie to dish it out instead of take it. Dixie took charge of the game early and decisively racking up some big innings to leap out to a huge lead. With the game being so lopsided, the Dixie bench got to see time on the field. Coach Perry saw that 18 players were able to make a varsity plate appearance. So it wasn't like the team kept the first squad in and ran up the score. The game was run ruled and was a much needed 23-5 victory for the Hounds.

Kelly Speak was a perfect 3 for 3 from the plate with a double. Ashley Rader was 2 for 4 including a triple. Judy Cronenwelt was 2 for 3 with a double. Marissa Overholtz was 2 for 3 as was Madison Buxton. The errors for Dixie were few and were made mostly in the last part of game with the bench. Ashley Rader had 5 put outs for the night. Tori Bargo pitched the first 3 innings to get the win – allowing only a single earned run. Stacy Radar got the other 2 innings on the mound and allowed 2 runs.

Dixie Baseball Back on Winning Track

The Dixie baseball team got back on the winning track this week against Milton Union. They allowed the Bulldogs 2 runs in the first inning, but went on from there to run rule for a victory. Scoring a total of 14 runs. Seth Angel dominated on the mound allowing a single earned run and recording 8 strikeouts. Josh VonBehren was an impressive 3 for 3 from the plate – one of those hits was double and he recorded 4 RBI's for his efforts. Luke Bowling and Greg Leonard were 3 for 4. Leonard had 2 doubles and a triple with 3 RBI's. Brody Queen and Dustin Bartrum were 2 for 3. Christian Evans was 2 for 4. From the field both Brody Queen and Greg Leonard had 6 put outs. The team only had a single error recorded in an excellent defensive showing.

The Greyhounds had to work a little harder and the ending a bit more dramatic when they next played Preble Shawnee. It was a scoreless ball game until the late innings as both teams played hard nosed defense. Shawnee was finally able to score a run in the 6^th inning to break the deadlock. That set up the last inning for the Greyhounds who were now down 0-1.

It was their last at bat and the first batter struck out, but the next hitter, Brody Queen, was able to reach base on an error. But with the tying run on first, the next batter struck out. Could Dixie do a 2 out rally and comeback for the win? Luke Bowling was hit by a pitch and reached first. With 2 runners on base Josh VanBehren made contact and reached base on a single. This loaded the bases for Greg Leonard; behind on the count at one ball and 2 strikes, he connected on the next pitch for a walk off double that scored two runs for Dixie – winning the game in exciting fashion.

Josh VanBehren lead the hitting going 3 for 3. Greg Leonard was 2 for 4, including the game winning double, he also lead the team defensively with 3 put outs. Seth Angel pitched 5 scoreless innings with 9 strikeouts. Luke Bowling finished the game on the mound and recorded the win, allowing 2 hits and a run.

Dixie closed out their week against Belmont. It was a 2-0 game at the end of the first inning, but after that the Greyhounds padded their baseball card stats by racking up 17 more unanswered runs. It was another run rule victory for Dixie. Seth Angel was 3 for 3 with 2 RBI's. Josh VanBehren was 2 for 2;

Jacob Campbell and Brody Queen were 2 for 2. Campbell also had 6 RBI's. Luke Bowling was 2 for 2 and had a 3 run home run. This hit was one for the record books as it was the first home run hit at the new Belmont Bison ball park.

Dexter Poole recorded the shutout win, only allowing a single hit. Aaron King had a good day defensively with 3 put outs. Dixie is now 5-6, but the two league wins this week will help them in the SWBL. Next week is a busy week and the schedule isn't any easier as they take on Waynesville, Franklin, Milton Union, and TVS.