Big Sixth Inning Sinks Cascade at Franklin Co.

Cascade hung tough through five innings Friday night, but a six-run sixth inning by Franklin Co. proved too much to overcome as the Rebels pulled away for a 10–2 win.

Franklin Co. jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when Josiah Cullins ripped a two-run triple to give the Rebels a 2–0 advantage.

Cascade battled back and eventually tied the game in the fifth. Jordan Childress doubled and later scored, and Caleb Crouch delivered an RBI single down the right-field line to even the score at 2–2.

The Rebels answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning. Gus Gardner lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home a run before Connor Parker followed with an RBI single to left field, putting Franklin Co. back in front 4–2.

The game broke open in the sixth inning when Franklin Co. plated six runs on just two hits while taking advantage of several walks and a hit batter. Gavin McBee and Gardner each drew bases-loaded walks, Cullins was hit by a pitch to force in another run, and Taylor Austin capped the rally with a two-run double to extend the lead to 10–2.

AJ Manus took the loss for Cascade but kept the Champions in the game early. The right-hander worked five innings, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out six and walking three.

Cameron Denton started for Franklin Co. and allowed two runs on four hits over five innings while striking out four. Parker earned the win in relief with two hitless innings, striking out two. Cascade managed four hits on the night, one each from Childress, Crouch, Jayden Hathcock, and Daymian Maldonado. Childress doubled and scored a run, while Crouch and Elijah Wesenberg each drove in a run.

Cullins led the Franklin Co. offense, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Gardner and Austin each added two RBIs as the Rebels collected eight hits and seven walks in the contest.

Cascade (1-1) will look to bounce back Monday when the Champions travel to Marshall Co. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Cascade:          0-1-0-0-1-0-0—    2-4-1

Franklin Co.:    2-0-0-0-2-6-X— 10-8-2

Cascade: Jordan Childress (1-4) double, run. Caleb Crouch (1-3) BB, RBI, run. Jayden Hathcock (1-3), Daymian Maldonado (1-3), Elijah Wesenberg BB, run.

Losing Pitcher: Manus