Community senior Josh Powers went 4-9 in three games with 2 RBI’s.
SHAWN DIGIANFELICE
Sports Writer
After losing a heartbreaker at Shelbyville on Wednesday, the Community Vikings (2-10) struggled to recover to end the week with loses to Cookeville and Lincoln County.
Shelbyville Central- 4 Community- 3*
*See separate article.
Cookeville- 16. Community- 1
The Vikings ran into a tough challenge Friday night, falling 16-1 to a powerful Cookeville squad. Cookeville set the tone immediately, plating six runs in the first inning and adding four more in the third before breaking the game open with a six-run fourth inning.
The Vikings were unable to recover from the early deficit.
On the mound, Community used multiple arms to try to slow the momentum. Kade Hasty started but ran into trouble early, allowing six runs in the first inning. Maddox Thompson and Isaiah Beech provided relief, but Cookeville’s lineup remained productive throughout.
Offensively, the Vikings were limited to just one hit on the night. Logan Reed accounted for that hit, going 1-for-1, while Bryce Blanton drove in Community’s lone run.
Lincoln County- 10 Community- 6
Community mounted a strong mid-game comeback but couldn’t overcome an early deficit in a 10-6 loss to Lincoln County on Saturday. The Vikings fell behind early as Lincoln County capitalized on a first-inning error and added three runs in the second to take a 5-0 lead. The Falcons pushed the advantage to 6-0 in the third, putting Community in an early hole.
Community responded in the fourth inning with its best stretch of the game, scoring five runs on three hits to get back within one. Masyn Hill and Tyler Wood each drove in a run, while Maddox Thompson delivered a key three-run single to spark the rally and cut the deficit to 6-5.
However, Lincoln County answered in the sixth inning, plating two runs to extend the lead. A solo home run from Rhett Persell and an RBI from August Lynch helped the Falcons regain control. Community added a run late but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Thompson and Josh Powers led the Vikings at the plate with two hits each, with Thompson going 2-for-2 and driving in two runs. Hill, Wood and Isaiah Beech singled for Community.
Logan Reed got the start on the mound for the Vikings. He threw 2 and 2/3 innings giving up 6 runs (2 earned) off of six hits while walking two and striking out two. Dylan Markum and Powers finished things up for Community in relief.
The Vikings return to action on Monday as they host Forrest to begin district play. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM.