CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – Tuesday night’s baseball game between Childersburg and Beulah had a lot riding on the outcome, and it just happened to also be Senior Night at Garland Justice Field.
Beulah took control of the party early as Wes Grant, Noah Higdon, and Trent Tidwell belted three hits and scored two runs. However, Payton Tanner struck out the other three Bobcat batters to squelch the rally.
The Tigers wasted no time having fun at the dish in the bottom of the first.
Lane Dennis, Jordan Mann, Tanner, and J.D. Oakes all reached base while scoring two runs as well.
The Tigers didn’t stop though.
They scored two in the first, two in the second, four in the third, and two in the sixth innings to capture a 10-3 victory.
Lane Dennis was 1-1 with three walks and two runs scored. Jordan Mann was 2-4, and J.D. Oakes heated up by going 2-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Seven different Tigers had hits, and all but one spot in the lineup scored at least one time in only six innings at the plate.
The real story again, however, was Payton Tanner on the hill.
After surrendering those three early hits and two runs, he composed himself and got stronger as the game went on. He pitched six complete innings, spraying nine hits by the Bobcats. He only gave up three runs while striking out eleven Beulah batters. The most impressive part of his performance was allowing no walks.
Jordan Mann came on the seventh inning to close out a very successful Senior Night.
Coach Taylor Craven was pleased with his Cats’ performance. He said, “I like the way we came back in the first inning scoring twice after giving up two to them. We got on base all throughout the lineup today and took advantage of runners, and I still find it hard to say enough good things about Payton Tanner. He was fabulous on the rubber for us today.”
By taking this very important area game, Coach Craven’s guys have got a stronghold on another area title. The Tigers will travel to Beulah Wednesday for two more with the Bobcats.
If the Tigers win one of the two today, they will claim the area title and will host in the first round of the 3A state playoffs on Friday, April 21.
Here’s a breakdown of Childersburg’s five seniors that were honored Tuesday night.
