GENTRY -- It wasn't much of a contest for the Pioneers when they hosted the Decatur Bulldogs on the baseball diamond in Gentry on March 14. The Pioneers scored 11 runs in the first inning and another 14 runs in the second inning to shut out the Bulldogs with only one out in the bottom of the second. But the nonconference game was an opportunity for the two teams to come together and provide some practice time and experience for both teams.
Briar Mayberry was on the mound for the Pioneers for both innings, allowing no hits and striking out six batters, walking none.
On the mound for the Bulldogs was a new pitcher -- her first time on the mound for the Decatur team. Decatur sophomore Natalie Shelton didn't strike out any batters and walked quite a few but she was getting the hang of it and throwing pitches across the plate when the game came to a close.
Gentry's 25 runs came on nine hits, 19 RBIs and 13 walks. Mayberry led his team with his bat, picking up three hits in three at-bats (one of them a double), three RBIs, and scoring twice. Jonathon Corter had three hits in three at-bats, as well, driving in two runs and scoring three times.
Gentry 3, Dardanelle 1
The Gentry Pioneers defeated the Dardanelle Sand Lizards, 3-1, on March 13, when Riggs Harper doubled and Isaak Crittenden then singled in the top of the sixth inning to bring Harper home and give the Pioneers the lead in a game that was tied at one-all coming into the inning. Crittenden also scored when Jeremiah Lemke singled to center field, making it a 3-1 ballgame.
Gentry's first run came in the third when Brayden Feathers doubled on a line drive to left field and brought in Jared James. Dardanelle responded in the bottom of the third with a solo run to tie up the game.
Crittenden earned the win for Gentry. He threw for five innings, allowed one run on one hit and struck out 11. Crafton Beeler relieved for the final two innings, allowing two hits, no runs, and striking out one batter.
Lemke led the Pioneers with two hits and an RBI in three at-bats.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Decatur sophomore Natalie Shelton made her debut on the mound for the Decatur Bulldogs in their nonconference game against the Gentry Pioneers in Gentry on March 14.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Decatur sophomore Natalie Shelton made her debut on the mound for the Decatur Bulldogs in their nonconference game against the Gentry Pioneers in Gentry on March 14.