Patriots Steal a Win from Chiefs, 8-7

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The Jefferson County Patriots faced off against the Cherokee High School Chiefs Tuesday night in Dumplin Valley.  After a hard 2-1 loss the night before in Rogersville, the Patriots headed back to JCHS to keep the Chiefs from getting the best of them once again.

Cherokee got off to a quick start, drawing hits off of pitcher Tyler Shaver.  The Chiefs found the holes in the Jefferson County outfield and, for a while, it seemed like the ball was doing a very good job at traveling to those holes. In the first inning, the Chiefs would cross home plate three times.

The Patriots’ first hit came early in the bottom of the first inning, and would remain dry for 6 innings, as the Patriots struggled with key at bats and allowed three more runs by the Chiefs in the second inning.  The top of the third inning would be the last time Cherokee would find themselves crossing the home plate, and the score would remain 7-1… until the seventh inning.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Just when it seemed like Cherokee had this game in the bag, an awakening happened for the Patriots. With no outs, and bases loaded from walks drawn off of Cherokee pitcher, Daniel Owens, Sean Fladd made contact with the ball. Sean, along with Jacob Rodgers, would make it home, cutting the score 7-3.  The Patriots made it across home 3 more times with no outs to be had, when Tyler Whitley tapped a single to bring Nic Bennett in to tie the game.  Suddenly, a missed pitch, and a home steal from Tyler Franklin, grabbed the Patriots the win and broke the three game loosing streak for Jefferson County.

Dylan Frazier would have the most strikes for the evening, landing 14.  Starter Tyler Frazier, even though allowing 7 runs while on the mound, would still land 12 strikes.

The Patriots advance to 10-4 for the season.  They are now gearing up to host Greenville on Friday night. The game is set to start at 6:00 p.m. at Patriot Field.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley