ST. GEORGE – The rematch was in a different locale, but the result was the same as the Thunder posted another five-run victory over the visiting Dixie Flyers, 7-2.
“It is very difficult to beat a good team twice in a row,” said Thunder head coach Jerry Beck. “We had a couple of good innings when the bats were cracking.”
The Thunder put a run up in the first when Clay Wilcox singled in Dylan File. Both teams then were unable to capitalize against good starting pitching from both teams. Dixie finally got on the board in the top of the fourth. Braxton Ipson reached on a walk. Collin Hutchings followed up with a 2-run homer. Dixie had it’s only lead after four 2-1.
In the bottom of the fifth Desert Hills came alive. Evan Moss singled to centerfield. Blake Betts drew a walk. Clay Gardner then singled in Moss. Wyatt Bendall then singled in Betts before relief pitcher Gavin Graff closed out the inning with a strikeout. At the end of five, Desert Hills had reclaimed the lead, 3-2.
The Flyers threatened in the sixth, loading the bases. With two out though, File’s pick-off throw to first was precise and costly to Dixie, leaving three men stranded.
In the bottom of the sixth Desert Hills continued its rampage. Graff walked Braiden Irvin. Moss then singled to left. File singled in Irvin. Wilcox then rocked a three-run homerun over the left field fence.
“I have played with and against Gavin (Graff) since we were little,” Wilcox said. “There are really no surprises when we face each other. I knew he would challenge me and bring the heat. I got a piece of his fastball.”
File pitched the final innings in relief of Betts who got the win. Betts and File combined for nine strikeouts. Austin Ruseler was the losing pitcher for Dixie.
The victory moves Desert Hills to 8-2, 2-0 in region. They will have a bye this coming week in region and will travel to Fremont for a double-header on Saturday.
The loss drops Dixie to 5-5, 0-2 in region. They will play a home and home with the Hurricane Tigers next week on Tuesday and Friday nights.
The stat line for the Thunder was seven runs, 10 hits and no errors. Dixie had two runs, three hits and two errors.
Pine View 6, Hurricane 5
The Panthers came from behind scoring two in the sixth inning to edge out the Tigers in the rematch at Pine View High School. The stat line for the Panthers was six runs on 10 hits with two errors. The Tigers scored five runs on five hits and also had two errors. Jackson Griffiths pitched the win, while Easton Jolley got the loss.
The Panthers move to 8-4, 2-0 in region play and will face Snow Canyon next week. The Tigers fall to 6-5, 0-2 in region and will face the Dixie Flyers next week.
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Dixie Flyers starting pitcher fires away against Desert Hills, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Dixie first baseman Braxton Ipson grabs a ground ball against Desert Hills, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Desert Hills starting pitcher throws over to first baseball against Dixie, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Desert Hills Clay Gardner slides into third base as the ball arrives. Gardner was called out on the play. Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Desert Hills batter makes contact against Dixie, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Dixie batter heads to first base, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Dixie batter heads to first base, Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
Dixie batter makes contact during Desert Hills vs Dixie, St. George, Utah, Mar. 21, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, St. George News
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