Nearly a upset

Sports

Related Photos

File photo by Jeremy Short

Discussion

July 2, 2009

By JEREMY SHORT The Tahlequah Daily Press Thu Jul 02, 2009, 12:20 PM CDT

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — The Tahlequah Desperados nearly pulled off an upset of favored Grove on Wednesday, but came up just short as they fell 10-8 in the Three Rivers Junior High Summer League Tournament.

With the loss, Tahlequah finished with a 1-4 record against Grove.

“They’ve [Grove] got two outstanding pitchers,” said Desperados coach Sergio Espinal. “This time we had much more success than before.”

The Desperados had a chance to pull even in the top of the ninth, but left the bases loaded and the tying run on second base against the hard-throwing Grove closer.

“We battled and had a chance to win the game late,” said Espinal.

Tahlequah looked strong early as they put up two runs in the bottom of the first.

After Ryan Sanders reached on a fielder’s choice and Stephen Wheeler singled, Chance Stayathome scored both of them with a two-RBI single.

Tahlequah added two more runs in the third.

Lane Cobb had an RBI to score Sanders, who had reached base on a walk.

The Desperados then added their final four runs in the fifth, but their comeback effort came up just short.

Wheeler and Cobb each had two hits in the game to lead the team.

Logan Lewis, Stayathome and Ronnie Hallum also had a hit each in the game.

On the mound, Cobb got the start and pitched the first inning.

Although Grove scored four runs, only two of them were earned.

Aaron Crawley, Ryan Kirk and Sanders pitched in relief.

Crawley pitched the second and third inning, while Kirk pitched the fourth and Sanders retired the side in order in the fifth.

The Desperados will play again on Friday in the third place game at Vinita. Game time is set for 5 p.m.