*Story by Josh Podoris*
FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – Bill Veeck once gave a quote that has always stuck with me: “There are only two seasons, winter and baseball.” Wearing my baseball bias glasses, I have to agree. In my opinion, it is the greatest game ever played.
The Fayetteville High School varsity boys baseball team opened its season in the win column, defeating Horseshoe Bend by a score of 13-1. Horseshoe Bend struck first, scoring one run in the top of the first inning, but that early lead did not last long.
The Generals would not score again as the Wolves’ bats came alive in dominant fashion. Fayetteville erupted in the second inning, scoring six runs on six hits. The hot bats stayed alive in the third, when the Wolves added six more runs on five hits and never looked back.
Starting on the mound for the Wolves was senior Brenton Cantrell, a Lawson State Community College commit. Cantrell looked sharp from the first pitch, setting the tone early and keeping Horseshoe Bend off balance throughout his outing. He threw three innings, allowing one hit and one unearned run before freshman Axel Culberson took over in relief. Culberson tossed two innings of no hit ball, striking out four and issuing no walks.
A common phrase heard at the beginning of baseball season is that hitting is always behind pitching this time of year, but the Wolves challenged that idea by racking up 14 hits in the win. Four starters recorded at least two hits: Brenton Cantrell, Carter Goins, Brayden Wood, and Connor Crumpton.
Head Coach Matt Collier said, “It felt good to finally get out there and compete. We have put in a lot of work this offseason and in recent practices, and you could see that preparation tonight. Starting the season with a win is great, but the goal is to keep getting better each day.”
The Wolves have plenty of promise this season and look to build on their strong start when they host Westminster Christian Friday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Catch the live broadcast with Jacob Bassett on the RadioAlabama Special Events Channel 2. Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader has been called off due to expected heavy rain.
