Champions Open with a 2–1 Win at Tullahoma

TULLAHOMA — In a game where offense was hard to come by, the Cascade Champions (1-0) relied on patience at the plate and a strong pitching performance to edge Tullahoma 2–1 Thursday night.

The Wildcats struck first in the bottom of the first inning when JD Schmisseur singled to drive in a run and give Tullahoma an early 1–0 lead.

Cascade answered in the fourth inning without the benefit of a hit. The Champions worked several walks to load the bases before Thomas Demartelaere drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game. Moments later, Jordan Childress followed with another walk that forced in what would become the game-winning run and gave Cascade a 2–1 advantage.

From there, the Champions’ pitching staff made the slim lead stand up. Starter Jayden Hathcock worked four innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while striking out four and walking two. Caleb Crouch came on in relief and tossed 1⅓ scoreless innings, and Will Parker closed out the final 1⅔ innings, striking out three to secure the win.

Cascade managed just three hits in the game, with River Maddox, Xykaiah Dixon and Daymian Maldonado each recording a hit.

Tullahoma collected five hits on the night but was unable to push across another run against the Cascade pitching trio. Despite being out-hit 5–3, the Champions made the most of their opportunities, drawing eight walks and playing solid defense to claim the narrow road victory.