Shelbyville Central freshman left-hander Steven Bobo turned in a fine performance on the mound against Warren County on Friday evening, scattering five hits while fanning eight with only one walk in district tournament action. (Post Photos by Gary Johnson)
Golden Eagle senior Nick Johnson (7) is congratulated by teammate Carston Williams after blasting a grand-slam home run against Warren County In the District 9-4A Tournament on Friday evening. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
FAYETTEVILLE — Shelbyville Central’s Golden Eagles closed out the season on Saturday with a 12-2 win in six innings over Warren County followed by a 9-0 loss to top-seed Lincoln County on Friday night.
It was an outstanding season for Shelbyville Central (21-13) despite not advancing past the district tournament in the postseason, as it was the first time the Golden Eagles had a 20-win regular season since 2006.
The 2006 team went on to post a 24-12 overall record.
“It’s always tough when you get your final loss that ends the season. But, I wouldn’t want to have taken this year’s journey with any other group of young men. We had some really bad calls in the game against Lincoln County and had a bad fourth inning, but give Lincoln County credit, they are a very good team,” Shelbyville Central coach Chase Jones said.
“We had a bad night. But our players on the field and in the dugout competed until the last out was made. Baseball, like in life, has some really great moments, and some really bad moments. This program is growing and becoming more successful from the lessons we take from our failures. One of the most difficult and important lessons to learn is to be grateful for your failures, because it is the only way you can truly find out who you are. People that are the most successful are usually people that have failed the most and just keep getting up and grinding to achieve their goals. I am at peace and very pleased from the accomplishments this team made this season.”
Jones will always remember this senior class and be thankful for all they have done for the Golden Eagle baseball program.
“Our five Seniors we had this year were sophomores when I got here three years ago when this program was almost in a state of shambles. They bought into everything we were teaching them and have completely changed the culture of our program. Kyler Trice, Carston Williams, Nick Johnson, Nick Hopper, and Parker Burks will always be part of my heart. They are going to find success in their life because of the character they have. They will have failure and adversity, but that is only going to fuel their desire to reach their goals. They are going to use things they’ve taken from this program to fuel their success. Things like being comfortable with the uncomfortable, control what you can control and let the rest go, always grind, be a giver and not a taker, be a warrior and not a victim, and attack life with a next pitch mentality. I look forward to watching their accomplishments as they enter the adult chapter of their lives.”
Shelbyville Central’s Nick Hopper laid down two base hit bunts in the won over Warren County. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
Great pitching and timely hitting led the way as freshman left-hander Steven Bobo was dominant on the mound, allowing one earned run while scattering five hits with eight strikeouts and only one walk over six innings.
The Golden Eagles collected a dozen hits led by a grand slam off the bat of senior Nick Johnson to highlight a six-run fifth inning.
Steven Bobo and William Bobo each added a double and single for the winners while Kyler Trice added three singles.
Warren Co. 110 000 — 2 5 1
Shelbyville Central 020 361 — 12 12 1
Shelbyville Central: Steven Bobo 2-for-4. William Bobo 2-for-3, Carston Williams1-for-2, Nick Johnson 1-for-2, Kyler Trice 3-for-4, Nick Hopper 3-for-3, Caden Duggin 1-for-4.
WP: Steven Bobo
LP: VanVuuran
LINCOLN CO. 9, SHELBYVILLE CENTRAL 0
Lincoln County scored six runs in the sixth inning while Samual Smith kept the Golden Eagles in check at the plate.
Smith went the distance, allowing six hits while fanning 12 with no walks.
Palmer Edwards ripped a double and single to lead Shelbyville Central at the plate, Brody Lovvorn added a double while Carston Williams contributed two singles.
Williams got the start on the bump with Michael Estrada making a relief appearance.
Shelbyville Central 000 000 0 — 0 6 3
Lincoln County 100 620 x — 9 6 1
Shelbyville Central: Steven Bobo 1-for-1, Carston Williams 2-for-3,
Brody Lovvorn 1-for-3, Palmer Edwards 2-for-3.
WP: Smith
LP: Williams
