No. 1 Hokes Bluff bounces back with win at Sardis

SARDIS CITY — Class 4A, No. 1 Hokes Bluff bounced back from its 10-run loss to Southside earlier in the week in a big way Saturday.

Payton Lemons, the Eagles’ starting pitcher, came away with a near no-hitter in the 10-1 victory over Sardis.

The Lions struggled at the plate and totaled just one hit. It came in the sixth inning with one out off the bat of Brody Samples. Hokes Bluff was in firm control at that point with an 8-1 lead.

The Eagles scored in each inning and started the scoring off with Ashton Gulledge, who courtesy ran for Houston Edwards after his single, touching home plate on a throwing error.

Errors were a problem for the Lions throughout the game and the Eagles were able to take advantage of them. Only two of the Eagles’ runs were earned, but Hokes Bluff came up with timely hitting with runners on base.

Star of the Night

Lemons went six innings, allowing only one hit and one run. He struck out 11 while walking three and hitting three batters.

By the Numbers

8 — Eight Hokes Bluff batters recorded at least one hit. … 7 — Errors committed by the Lions. … 10 — Total hits for the Eagles. … 3 — Dylan Teague finished with three RBI on two hits. The senior has been seeing the ball well lately as he had a solo home run in the loss to Southside on Wednesday. … 2 — Edwards, Hokes Bluff’s catcher, pitched the final inning in relief. The Wallace State signee struck out two while walking two and hitting one batter.

They Said It

“It was huge getting a county win after a county loss. We didn’t play good against Southside at all, but we feel like we can get some confidence back, come back and give them a run next time.” — Lemons

Coachspeak

“Koby Addison (sick) didn’t play so we had a couple of guys that stepped up today and got a couple of hits. We barreled up more balls today and Payton pitched pretty good. (Sardis) has been playing good ball. They beat Southside and Westbrook. I’m glad to get a good win before we start area play.” — Hokes Bluff coach Mike Robertson

“That’s on me. I’ve got to find a way to get our guys and compete day-in and day-out. Understand that they can’t take days off especially with the schedule we play. If you take a day off, you’re going to get embarrassed. And that’s what happened today.” — Sardis coach Kevin Vinson

Hokes Bluff Stat Sheet

Hunter Burke had two hits and one RBI. Carson Eubanks totaled one hit and two RBIs from the leadoff spot. Edwards, Caleb McGinnis and Clay Rainey each finished with one hit and one RBI. Drake Rainey and Lemons tallied one hit each.

Sardis Stat Sheet

Andrew Blackwell scored Sardis’ lone run. Braxton Brooks started the game on the mound with Brayden Bridges, Brody Samples, Peyton Wehrwein and Jackson Greer all pitching in relief.

Up Next

Hokes Bluff (6-2) travels to White Plains at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday for its 4A, Area 10 opener. Sardis (4-4) visits Crossville at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday for its 5A, Area 13 opener.