Patriots Overcome the Smoky Bears, 5-4

Published by Jake Depew, Assistant Editor on March 20, 2016.
Published under JCHS Sports
Tags: front

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The Jefferson County Patriots Baseball Team hosted the Sevier County Smoky Bears for the home opener at JCHS Tuesday evening. After a regular season opening loss to the Smoky Bears Monday evening, the Patriots were poised to protect their house.

In front of a great crowd ready to support their Patriots, the evening started out slow for both teams. Jefferson County was the first to make it across home in the bottom of the second inning. With Jacob Rodgers sitting on third, Nic Bennett hit a pop fly, which was caught, but allowed Rodgers just enough time to touch home and put Jefferson County on the board.

For the next two innings, the Patriots maintained the 1-0 score. In the bottom of the fourth inning, while just one out away from having to take the field again, Brandon Saylor tapped one in to left field, drawing a double. He was brought home by John Hensley from second, who drew a single off of Sevier County. The Smoky Bears pitcher would walk Nic Bennett, who took advantage of an error by the Smoky Bears when Tyler Shaver drove one over to right field. Hensley crossed the plate, putting Jefferson County ahead 4-0.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

At the top of the sixth inning, Sevier County shot one over the center field wall, causing the Patriots to loose their cushion, cutting the lead 4-2.

The Patriots would cross home one more time in the bottom of the sixth, after a double by Hensley, and a single from Shaver.

The last inning found the Smoky Bears taking advantage of a rough start by Shaver. He would walk Sevier County’s lead hitter, and the Smoky Bears would earn a double, cutting the Patriots’ lead to one.

At the best possible moment, the nerves left Shaver when he picked up a Sevier County grounder, and nailed it to first, ending Sevier County’s attempt at a rally, and leaving the Patriots on top 5-4.

Bennett, Shaver, and Hensley had 1 RBI each, and Hensley led off in scoring, introducing himself to home plate two times. The Patriots out hit the Smoky Bears, with that ping happening eight times for Jefferson County, compared to Sevier County’s seven.

The Jefferson County Patriots are gearing up for the Sevier County Tournament, where they will face the Pigeon Forge Tigers Thursday night. First pitch is set to be at 5:00 p.m. at Pigeon Forge.

The JCHS Lady Patriots Softball team also scored a win for the night, dominating Cocke County 7-0.