GENTRY — Although the wind was cold, the Pioneers couldn't have asked for a much better season opener on their renovated field on Tuesday, beating Cedarville, 11-1, in six innings and picking up a no-hitter.
CJ Tailor and Tanner Shipp pitched for the Pioneers and struck out eight Cedarville batters and walked only two.
Cedarville's only run came in the first on a walk and a wild pitch, but Gentry evened the score in the bottom of the second when Shipp, who made it to first on a shortstop error, made it around the bases on a Myles McFerron hard-hit grounder back to the pitcher.
The Pioneers added another run in the third when Tanner Christie doubled to right, made it to third on a wild pitch and made it home on an Ayden Smartt sacrifice fly.
The Pioneers blew things open in the fourth, scoring seven runs. With the bases loaded on two walks and a bunt single by Josh Cochran, Sean Pierce singled to center, driving in two. Another single to center field, this one by Christie, made it 5 to 1, Gentry. Pierce scored on a single to left by Smartt. Taylor hit a line-drive double to right and brought in two more Gentry runs, and a ninth run scored on a ground out by Shipp.
Gentry's final two runs came in the bottom of the sixth when Smartt walked and later scored on a passed ball and Wyatt Clark, who made it to first on a dropped third strike, later scored on a wild pitch.
Christie led the Pioneers in hits with two. Smartt, Taylor and Pierce each had two RBIs in the game. Taylor and Christie hit doubles.
Taylor and Shipp each pitched three innings. Taylor struck out five and Shipp three. Each walked one. Cedarville's only run was charged against Taylor.
The Pioneers are scheduled to play home games against Gravette on Thursday and Elkins on Friday. Games times are 5 p.m.
Work has been underway on the Gentry High School baseball and softball complex and fans were pleased with the concrete pads and improved seating. Netting to protect fans from foul balls is yet to come but will, hopefully, be in place soon.