By Ken Lay
Gibbs High School’s baseball team used a big second inning to keep its perfect district record intact Tuesday night.
The Eagles (14-4 overall, 6-0 in District 3-AA) scored five runs in the second inning of their 7-0 victory over Union County before a packed house at Steve Hunley Field.
It was the sixth consecutive district win and fourth straight league shutout for the Eagles.
“We got some clutch hits with two outs again,” Gibbs coach Geff Davis said. “If we don’t get those key hits, then this is a 2-0 game.”
The Eagles, who sent nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the second inning, scored their first run when Pierce Elliott’s sacrifice fly plated Cade Davis. Elliott’s fly ball gave Gibbs a 1-0 lead but was the second out of the inning.
The Eagles would score four more times before Patriots pitcher Samuel Cooper could get out of the inning. Brad Cottrill had a two-run double in the frame. Taylor McMurray added a two-run triple in the frame to give the Eagles a 5-0 lead.
Gibbs added single runs in the fifth and sixth.
Catcher Brad Parker started the fifth with a leadoff double and was lifted for courtesy runner Brock Davis. Davis scored the sixth run of the game on Trey Carpenter’s one-out single.
Cooper escaped further damage as Cottrill grounded out with the bases loaded to end the inning.
Gibbs extended its lead to 7-0 in the sixth. Left fielder Zach Ogle led off the inning with a single. He stole second and advanced to third on a groundout my McMurray before scoring on a passed ball.
Gibbs finished the game with seven hits.
The Patriots, however, couldn’t generate much offense. Eagles’ left-handed pitcher Andrew Willis hurled a three-hitter. He walked three hitters and struck out seven.
“Andrew did a great job,” Coach Davis said. “He threw the ball well and did a good job fielding his position.
“It was nice to see him have a good outing.”
The Eagles opened the week with a 13-0 win at Union County on Monday, April 8.
Gibbs played in a Farragut tournament late last week and has a big night planned at home against Alcoa on April 18 when it plays its third annual Pink Out at the Park Game against the Tornadoes.
The game, which promotes breast cancer awareness, will feature vendors from 31, Mary Kay and Pampered Chef. A mobile mammogram unit will also be on site and fans can purchase special t-shirts.
All proceeds will benefit the Mobile Mammogram unit.
Action begins with a junior varsity game at 5 p.m. First pitch for the varsity game is slated for 7:30.