Pioneers Drop Home Opener

Defeated by Searcy Lions 6-3

Carl's Scorecard

published Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2006

The Pioneers suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of the Searcy Lions last night. In their home opener, the Pioneers were unable to generate runs, with four scattered hits and only eight Pioneers even reaching base. The Lions managed eight hits, four in the sixth inning, when the scales tilted against the Pioneers and the Lions took a four run lead. However, the Pioneers played well in the field with only two errors and it was good to see the depth of the Pioneer pitching staff, with four different Pioneers taking the mound during the game.

The Pioneers start out solidly, with veteran pitcher Addison Rayford making his first appearance on the mound this year. Rayford pitched two innings with three strikeouts and allowing only one hit. In the bottom of the inning only catcher Nick Palase reaches base on a single. Rayford is relieved after facing two batters in the third inning, allowing a hit and walk. Errors worsten the situation for reliver Cameron Ward and a walk loads the bases. A passed ball gives the Lions their first run of the night, but Ward quickly recovers and three fly balls later retires the Lions. The Pioneers cross the plate for the first time in the bottom of the fourth when lead off batter Chris Milum singles and is eventually scored by a base hit from Aaron Thornton. The score remains tied until the top of the sixth when Ward allows a Lion lead off hit and is relieved by Evan Eary on the mound. The Lions do well against Eary with three hits resulting in four runs, bringing the score to 5-1 Lions. The Pioneers choose to close with Cody Aycock who while allowing two consecutive doubles, closed the inning with only one additional run thanks in part to a double play that ended the inning for the Lions. In their final at bat the Pioneers attempted a one out rally when Kelly Davis singled and was joined by Eary on a Searcy fielding error. Another Lion error and a passed ball advances the runners to scoring position and a ground out by Nick Davidson adds a run to the score. Another passed ball scores Eary, but a strikeout ended the Pioneer hopes for a last inning rally.