SHAWN DIGIANFELICE
Sports Writer
The Community Vikings and Middle Tennessee Monarchs went back and forth in a wild offensive battle Tuesday, with the Monarchs pulling out a 11-10 victory in the non-district matchup.
Middle Tennessee struck first in the top of the first inning when Wyatt Harrison launched a three-run home run to left field.
Community answered immediately in the bottom half, plating four runs to take a 4–3 lead. Bryce Blanton drove in two runs with a single, while Tyler Wood scored on a walk and Logan Reed added an RBI on a groundout.
The Monarchs took a 5-4 lead in the second inning on a double down the left-field line by Jacob Pelletier, but the Vikings regained the lead moments later. Josh Powers tripled to center field and Brody Armstrong followed with a fielder’s choice as Community pushed ahead 6–4 after two innings.
The game remained tight until Middle Tennessee erupted for six runs in the top of the sixth to take a 11-6 advantage. The big blow of the inning was a three-run home run to right field by Pelletier.
Community responded once again in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs to pull to within one. Powers delivered an RBI single, and Wes Haley drove in a run on a fielder’s choice to make it 11-10 going to the last inning.
The Vikings held the Monarchs scoreless in the top half of the seventh inning, but were unable to tie it up in the bottom half, resulting in a 11-10 opening day loss for first year Vikings skipper Parker Gunn.
Haley started on the mound for the Vikings, allowing eight hits and eight runs (six earned) over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven and walking one. Pelletier opened the game on the hill for the Monarchs, surrendering six hits and six runs in two innings, with two strikeouts and two walks.
Community finished with 11 hits on the night. Haley, Blanton, and Powers each recorded two hits and drove in two runs apiece. Haley, Blanton, and Tyler Wood were aggressive on the basepaths, helping the Vikings rack up 10 stolen bases.
Middle Tennessee totaled 10 hits. Pelletier drove in four runs and went 2-for-4 at the plate.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, with Community traveling for a 6 p.m. rematch.
MTM: 3-2-0-0-0-6-0— 11-10-1
Community: 4-2-0-0-0-4-0— 10-11-3
Community: Josh Powers 2-5 (triple), Brody Armstrong 1-3, Dylan Markum 1-4, Wes Haley 2-4, Bryce Blanton 2-4, Tyler Wood 1-3, Logan Reed 1-4, Masyn Hill 1-2.
Losing Pitcher: Haley