Pioneers Whip Tigers

Eary throws One Hitter

Carl's Scorecard

published Thursday, Mar. 23, 2006

The Pioneers claimed an opening round victory today in their first appearance in the Xtra Innings tournament in Jonesboro. Their opponent, the Bentonville Tigers were unable to get the measure of Pioneer pitcher Evan Eary who pitched 6 2/3 before allowing the Tigers only hit. He also struck out eleven along the way for a very impressive performance. The Pioneer batters managed eight hits for the night and as usual waited till the middle innings to do so.

The Pioneers are hitless until the fourth inning when lead off batter Chris Milum singles and is relieved by Kyle McMullin. McMullin steals second and dives in safely after receiving the advice of his teammates in the dugout. There really wasn't a play, but he looks so good diving. Clint Walls hits and advances McMullin to third putting runners at the corners. Aaron Thornton advances on a fielder's choice, leaving Walls out and scoring McMullin for the first of three Pioneer runs of the inning. Addison Rayford bunts on to again put Pioneers at the corners and then steals second to put two in scoring position. Kelly Davis clears the bases with a hit and brings the score to 3-0 Pioneers. The Pioneers final run cones in the fifth when Nick Davidson bunts and dives into first avoiding the attempted tag by the first baseman. He steals second and is scored by Evan Eary who hits into right field but is caught attempting to return to first and put out. Eary looks to have a no hitter within his grasp when he faces a Tiger batter with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Eary takes him full but the Tiger batter manages a hit to spoil Eary's hopes. Eary does strike the next batter out though and holds the Tigers scoreless. The Pioneers play tomorrow at Nettleton at 1:30 PM when they will face Benton.