*Story by Josh Podoris*
MUNFORD, Ala. – The Fayetteville Wolves’ varsity baseball team returned to the win column last night with a 13-1 victory over Sylacauga in the Talladega County Baseball Tournament.
Fayetteville entered the game on a three game skid after facing tough competition from higher classification teams including Benjamin Russell, Pelham, and Jemison. That did not slow them down against 5A county opponent Sylacauga.
The Wolves started senior Brenton Cantrell on the mound. Cantrell threw 3 and one third innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run while throwing 71 pitches. The Lawson State Community College commit also made his presence felt at the plate. Cantrell hit his second home run of the season and added a double off the fence.
Coach Collier praised his senior leader after the game.
“Brenton Cantrell is one of the best players around, and he is one of the guys we have leaned on,” said Coach Collier. “He is fun to coach.”
Junior Connor Crumpton also had a big night for the Wolves, collecting three hits, while senior Ethan Jones added two hits of his own. Coach Collier had Cantrell, Crumpton, and Jones at the top of the lineup and was pleased with their production.
“Anytime the top of our lineup produces like that, we feel great about competing with anyone,” Collier noted. “We have to keep getting better. I like our lineup one through nine with a mix of speed and power.”
Three pitchers saw action for Fayetteville in the five inning win. Jackson Payton and Axel Culberson came on in relief to close out the game.
The Wolves were not only effective at the plate and on the mound, but also aggressive on the base paths, stealing seven bases through four innings.
The number two seed Fayetteville Wolves return to action Thursday night against the number one seed Munford Lions with the county championship on the line. This marks the second straight season Fayetteville has reached the Talladega County Baseball Championship game. The Wolves are looking to claim the title after finishing runner up last season.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Munford. You can listen live with Jacob Bassett on the call on the RadioAlabama Sports App Channel 2.
