Alabama Christian Ends Season with Sweep of MA

At Senior Night earlier this week, Jackson McGuire stated his favorite ACA memory was the sweep of MA last year in baseball. Well, now he can add this year’s sweep to his list of favorite memories. It wasn’t easy and the team did its best to let the third game of the series slip away from them, but in the end they duplicated last year’s sweep.

Game one of the series was the last home game of the year for ACA (13-17). Mac Moorer took the hill and pitched a complete game gem in the final start of his career. The home standing Eagles jumped all over MA in the first inning with six runs. The visitors used three pitchers just to get through the frame. ACA scored the runs on just three hits as MA walked in the last three runs of the inning. Levi Summers scored on a wild pitch in the second to make the score 7-0. The lead moved to ten runs in the third as Jackson McGuire singled in a run and Alex Heilman and Bryson Dabney both had sac flies. Leading by the same score after four, Alabama Christian just needed to hold MA scoreless in the top of the fifth and everyone could call it an early night. In a theme that would pop up again later in the series, ACA was unable to keep MA off the scoreboard as the visitors scored three runs in the fifth. ACA added one insurance run in the sixth and went on to defeat MA, 11-3.

Mac Moorer struck out five with no walks as he picked up the win. The senior also led the offense as well with a 3 for 4 night with a double, two runs scored, a walk, and an RBI. Jackson Burton finished 2 for 4 with two runs driven in. Jackson McGuire drove in two runs while Ethan Dabney and Levi Summers both scored two runs.

Game two of the series moved to MA for a doubleheader on Friday. Jackson McGuire, like Mac Moorer the night before, would be pitching the last game of his career and he threw a beauty. The senior tossed a three-hitter as he allowed one run and struck out four. Offensively, the Dabney brothers put on a show. The two outfielders combined to go 6 for 6 with two doubles, seven RBI’s, two walks, and two runs scored.

The first two batters were retired in the top of the first, but the next five ACA batters in a row reached safely to give ACA a 2-0 lead after one. Mac Moorer batted again in the second inning and would eventually bat once in all five innings. Alex Heilman and Bryson Dabney had run scoring hits in the second to build the lead to 5-0. The highlight of the third inning was a bases loaded clearing double by Bryson Dabney to break the game wide open at 11-1. Jackson Burton and Dabney drove in runs in the fourth to run the score to 14-1. Jackson McGuire finished the home team off in the fourth and fifth for a 14-1 five-inning run-rule win.

Bryson Dabney finished the game 3 for 3 with a double and seven RBI’s. The seven runs driven in is the most since Matthew Mallett did it in 2007. Ethan Dabney also went 3 for 3 with a double and scored two runs. Jackson Burton was 2 for 3 with four RBI’s and three runs scored. Mac Moorer also scored three runs.

Game three started off as a laugher, but ended with ACA lucky to walk away with the win. The good guys scored seven in the first as they sent twelve men to the plate. Jackson Burton set the tone early as he hit a missile right at the pitcher who was able to get his glove and deflect the ball into centerfield. The highlight of the inning was a two-run triple by Teilan Long up the alley in right field. Jackson Burton pitched for ACA and although he was in consistent trouble managed to hold MA to two runs over the first four innings. ACA scored three in the fourth and two in the fifth to build a 12-2 lead going to the bottom of the fifth. If ACA could keep MA off the board, the game would be over. Unfortunately, MA put a five-spot on the board and cut the lead to 12-7 after five. The home team tacked on another run in the sixth to make the score 12-8. In the seventh, MA scored three times to cut the lead to one and had the bases loaded with two outs. Alex Heilman got the final out on a full count called third strike.

Ethan Dabney continued his hot hitting as he went 2 for 3 with a triple and three RBI’s. Mason Roosendaal also finished 2 for 3 as he scored two runs. Jackson Burton got the win as he went 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and Alex Heilman got the save as he relieved Cam Sutton to get the final two outs.

A special thank you to Cathy Moorer who has graciously allowed me to use her photos all year long. Thank you Cathy!!

ACA Swept in First Area Series

The Eagles drew the top team in the Area for their first series of the year. PCA won the Area last year and advanced to the State quarterfinals. This year their sights are set higher as they were able to add a senior transfer from Stanhope Elmore, who is now their best player, to help them chase the blue map.

Although PCA was favored to win the series, the start of game one on Thursday gave the Eagles some hope. Jackson McGuire took the mound for the first game and should have gotten out of the first inning on just six pitches. Unfortunately, the first pitch of the game was misplayed in the outfield which meant after six pitches, PCA had a runner on first with two outs. The visitors made ACA pay for the extra out as they scored twice with two outs and added twenty extra pitches to McGuire’s pitch count. Alabama Christian tied the game in the bottom of the second. Teilan Long led off with a double followed by Alex Heilman getting hit by pitch. With two outs, Brtson Dabney hit a flare to right that scored both runners. Neither team scored in the third or fourth innings as both pitchers settled in. In the top of the fifth, PCA finally broke through and the Eagles could not stop it. The Panthers sent 16 man to the plate in an 11-run frame to blow the game open. ACA was unable to score in the bottom half and the game was over. What was a pitcher’s duel after four turned into a run-rule victory in a single inning.

Bryson Dabney finished the game 1 for 2 and drove in the only two runs of the game. Mac Moorer, Jackson McGuire, and Teilan Long each had a hit. McGuire took the loss and although the final stat line did not look great, he really just had the one rough inning where he ran out of gas after throwing over 100 pitches.

Games two and three were held at PCA on Friday. The home team saved its new ace for game two. The PA booth opened the game playing “Hells Bells” which seemed out of place for two Christian schools. To say the home crowd was into the game would be a huge understatement. Every pitch was like game seven of the World Series and just like little league the Panther players had coaches on the field and in the stands. PCA did not run-rule the Eagles in game two but was in command from the outset. The Panthers scored in each of the first four innings to build an 8-0 lead. The score remained the same until the end as the home team got the shutout victory. In an unrelated story, Stanhope Emore lost to Hueytown on Friday.

Jackson McGuire, Teilan Long, and Bryson Dabney collected the team’s three hits. McGuire was the only player to reach twice as he also drew a walk. Cam Sutton got the loss as he and Mason Roosendaal split the pitching duties.

With the series in hand, PCA felt so good about themselves they didn’t even bother to redraw the batter’s box for the second game of the night. I’m not sure I have ever seen a church league softball game not have a batter’s box much less a varsity baseball game. The Panthers scored four in the first which would end up being enough runs for the win. ACA responded in the second as Mason Roosendaal pulled a ball down the left field line for a double that drove in Teilan Long and Alex Heilman. In the top of the fifth, the Eagles trimmed the lead to one run as Jackson Burton delivered a two-out single to right that scored Mac Moorer. Although the series was already decided, a palpable nervousness could be felt from the PCA faithful. The home team answered with a run of their own to make the score 5-3 after five. ACA did get the tying run on base in the seventh but could not score.

Jackson Burton, Teilan Long, Alex Heilman, and Mason Roosendaal each had hits in the game. Long was the only Eagle to get a hit in each game of the series. Mac Moorer got the loss as he pitched the full six innings with seven strikeouts.

Eagles Win Two to Start the Week

Alabama Christian (10-10) won on Monday and Tuesday as they prepare for their first Area series of the season against PCA on Thursday and Friday. The two games were very different, but ACA came from behind late in both of them to secure the victories.

Monday - Park Crossing

The Park Crossing game was a three-hour marathon that saw ten pitchers used. The Thunderbirds played as the home team although the game was played at ACA’s field. Alex Heilman started for the Eagles and held the opponent to just two runs over four innings. Meanwhile, Alabama Christian put six on the board in the third and fourth innings. In the third, Jackson Burton doubled over the left fielder’s head to drive in the first run of the game. Teilan Long singled in the second run and Burton scored on an error by the catcher for a 3-1 lead. In the fourth, Park Crossing gifted a couple of runs to the Eagles and Long drove in another run on an RBI ground out. ACA led 6-2 after four and looked to be in control.

The Thunderbirds scored six runs in the fifth off the bullpen to take an 8-6 lead. Cam Sutton came in and stopped the bleeding, but the damage was done. Another run in the sixth made it 9-6 going to the seventh inning. Down three heading into their last at-bat, the Eagles put together an eight-run inning. Beau Gainey and Ethan Dabney both singled to start the frame followed by a Jackson McGuire walk to load the bases. Jackson Burton was hit on a 2-0 pitch to drive in a run to make it 9-7. The next two batters were retired and the bases were still loaded. Ethan Dabney scored on a wild pitch to cut the lead to one run and McGuire scored on another wild one to tie it as Levi Summers walked. ACA took the lead on yet another wild pitch as Burton scored from third. Two more walks produced another run for an 11-9 lead. With the bases still loaded, Ethan Dabney singled to right driving in two and a third runner scored on a throwing error from the right fielder for a 14-9 advantage. Mason Roosendall pitched the seventh to close it out.

Ethan Dabney looked great in the leadoff spot as he went 3 for 6 with a double, three runs scored and two RBI’s. Jackson Burton and Teilan Long both went 2 for 4 with two runs driven in. Burton also scored three runs. Cam Sutton picked up the win with two solid innings of relief. Starting pitcher Alex Heilman struck out five over four innings and allowed just one earned run on three hits.

Tuesday - Beulah

As much as Monday’s game resembled a church softball game with all of the runs scored, Tuesday’s contest was a low scoring game where the pitching dominated for much of the night. Two of Beulah’s four hits came in the second when they scored and four of ACA’s six hits came in the fifth when they scored their three runs. The other twelve half-innings produced just four hits.

Teilan Long started for the Eagles and pitched well enough to win as he went four innings allowing one run with three strikeouts. Long was helped by the play of Beau Gainey at shortstop. Twice Gainey made plays deep in the hole to help hold Beulah to just one run. Gainey came into relieve in the fifth and retired the side in order. ACA’s offense came to life in the bottom of the fifth as the visitor’s defense helped the cause. With one out, Levi Summers fought off an 0-2 inside pitch and drove it into left for a single. Up next, Mason Roosendaal hit a grounder for what could have been an inning ending double play, but the second baseman booted it and both runners were safe. In the next at-bat, Summers was almost picked off second by the catcher, but he was able to avoid the tag. With two outs Ethan Dabney and Mac Moorer hit consecutive singles to drive in two runs while a third scored on an error by the right fielder. Once he had the lead Gainey pitched two scoreless frames to end it for the 3-1 win.

Jackson McGuire led the offense with two hits in three at-bats. Mac Moorer, Jackson Burton, Levi Summers, and Ethan Dabney had the other hits. In relief, Beau Gainey pitched three innings and gave up one hit and no runs.

ACA Splits Four Games in Spring Break Action

After dropping all three games last week, the Eagles (8-10) headed south for their annual trip to the coast during spring break. ACA hoped to build some momentum heading into Area play next week. The team won two and lost two over three days. ACA defeated Victory Christian (OK) and South Lamar and lost to Oak Ridge (TN) and Dale (OK).

Game one - Victory Christian

Jackson McGuire started the week off with a called strike, but Victory did manage to score a run in their first at-bat. ACA went down 1-2-3 in their half of the first to trail by a run after one. McGuire bounced back and retired the side on just six pitches in the second inning. The Eagles put up a crooked number in the second as Bryson and Ethan Dabney both had run scoring singles to help build a 5-1 lead. Mason Roosendaal and Bryson Dabney each drove in runs in the third as Alabama Christian stretched the lead to 8-1. Victory scored two unearned runs in the fourth and would not cross the plate again. ACA tacked on two runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth for the 12-3 final.

Bryson Dabney had a perfect game at the plate as he went 2 for 2 with three RBI’s. Jackson Burton, Alex Heilman, and Teilan Long each went 2 for 4 and combined for five runs scored and three runs driven in. Jackson McGuire got the win with six strong innings allowing just one earned run with nine strikeouts.

Game two - Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge was the best team ACA faced over the four games. The team from Tennessee dominated from the beginning and won easily, 18-0. Mason Roosendaal drew the very tough assignment of facing Oak Ridge as the Eagles used four pitchers in all. The offense mustered just two hits, a third inning single by Mac Moorer and a pinch-hit single in the fourth by Sam Schotteker.

Game three - South Lamar

Tuesday’s game was easily the most exciting as ACA scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh for a walk-off victory. Alex Heilman tied the game at 1-1 with an RBI ground out in the second. In the third, Mac Moorer knocked Bryson Dabney in and later scored himself on an infield error to give the Eagles a 3-1 lead. In the fifth inning, South Lamar scored three runs to take back the lead as the first six batters reached base, four via an error. In the bottom half, Heilman once again drove home the runner from third with an RBI ground out to tie the game, 4-4. South Lamar scored twice in the sixth and led by the same 6-4 score going to the bottom of the seventh.

Remarkably, ACA sent six men to the plate in the seventh and not a one of them was retired. Jackson McGuire worked a walk to lead off, Jackson Burton followed with a double to left, and Teilan Long was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Alex Heliman drove in his third run of the day with a single to center to make the score 6-5. Levi Summers tied the game with another single to center. Mason Roosendaal finished it as he swung at the first pitch and singled to center for the game winner, 7-6.

Cam Sutton did not get the decision, but kept the team in it over six innings. Beau Gainey pitched the seventh and picked up his first varsity win of his career after ACA walked it off. Mason Roosendaal and Bryson Dabney both finished 2 for 3 while Levi Summers went 2 for 4 .

Game four - Dale

It was fitting that Mac pitched against Dale in the finale of the week. The Dale offense scored five runs with two outs as they proved difficult to retire. ACA scored two in their first at-bat for a promising start. Alex Heilman knocked in Mac Moorer and Sam Schotteker with a single to the shortstop. Unfortunately, the offense only produced one more run while Dale scored in every inning except the third. Dale would defeat ACA 10-3.

ACA had opportunities as the team had eight hits led by Jackson McGuire and Teilan Long who both had two hits. Mac Moorer, Alex Heilman, Levi Summers, and Ethan Dabney had the other hits.

Eagles Sweep PCA in Area Match Up

The boys team remained undefeated in Area play Tuesday night with a 4-0 blanking of PCA. The Eagles improved their record to 6-1-1 overall and 3-0 in Area play. The contest was tight early as ACA led 1-0 at the break. David Johnson scored the goal assisted by Tyson Summers. Alabama Christian pulled away in the second half as Wes Peake, Tyson Summers, and Karson Oakley each scored a goal.

The girls improved to 2-1 in Area play and 3-2-1 overall with a tough 2-1 win over the Lady Panthers. Katelyn Sutton’s first half goal gave the Eagles a 1-0 advantage at halftime. Chloe Jordan added a goal in the second half for a 2-0 lead. PCA did score on a corner kick to cut the deficit to one goal, but could not score again.

Alabama Christian defeats Beulah in Saturday Contest

The trip to Beulah was supposed to be a doubleheader against the host school, Beulah, and Horseshoe Bend, but Horseshoe Bend cancelled due to illness on the team. With the change, the varsity played first and the second game was a JV contest. The varsity team won 6-1, but the game was really more of a pitcher’s duel although you wouldn’t think so looking at the final score. Cam Sutton pitched a complete game beauty to earn the win as he gave up just five hits and struck out six Bobcats.

ACA (6-5) had a golden opportunity to get on the board in the first inning as Mac Moorer and Jackson McGuire both singled to start the game. With one out what could have been a Tielan Long bloop single turned into a fielder’s choice as the runner going to second was thrown out. A pop out in the next at bat ended the chance. Beulah’s first opportunity to score came in the bottom of the second. The Bobcats had runners on first and second with one out, but Cam Sutton struck out the next two batters out to end the threat. The Eagles finally broke through in their half of the third with a run. With two outs, McGuire singled to left and his courtesy runner, Sam Schotteker, advanced to second when an errant pick off attempt got by the first baseman. Jackson Burton drilled an 0-1 pitch to the outfield for a double that scored Schotteker.

Neither team scored in the fourth as Cam Sutton worked around an infield error to start the frame. ACA’s second run, which came in the fifth, was courtesy of the Beulah defense. With two outs an infield error produced an Eagle baserunner. After two wild pitches moved the runner to third, another infield error scored him for the 2-0 lead. The Bobcats best offensive showing was in the bottom of the fifth. The first two batters singled, the second hit being a pretty push bunt past the pitcher. The next batter hit a rocket right at Mac Moorer for the first out. The next batter singled to load the bases with one out. The home team scored its only run on the next play as Moorer was able to force the runner at third for the second out. On the first pitch of the next at bat, Beulah tried to steal third, but the batter was called out for interfering with the catcher. Although the Beulah faithful argued long and loud about the way the inning ended, it was the right call.

ACA immediately got the run back in the sixth as Mason Roosendaal singled to center and advanced to second on a passed ball. Levi Summers delivered a run scoring single to right for a 3-1 advantage. The Bobcats were kept off the board in the sixth. The Eagles knew some insurance runs would be nice to make it more difficult for the Bobcats. Jackson Burton delivered the insurance in dramatic fashion as he mashed an 0-2 pitch over the left field wall for a 5-1 cushion. Roosendall drove in the final run of the day with an RBI ground out for the five run lead. Cam Sutton finished what he started as he set down three in a row in the seventh.

Jackson Burton finished the day 2 for 4 with a double and a homer with three RBI’s. Jackson McGuire went 2 for 3 and Sam Schotteker, who ran for McGuire, scored three runs.

ACA Dominates in Area Road Win Against Autauga Academy

Alabama Christian played Autauga Academy Friday night and both the girls and boys teams overpowered the Generals. Both teams scored ten goals in their games.

Chloe Jordan’s first half hat trick spurred the Lady Eagles to a 5-0 lead at intermission in the opening game of the night. ACA tacked on five more goals in the second half for a 10-1 final margin. Five different players found the back of the net as Jordan and Katelyn Sutton each scored three goals, Addison Smith scored twice, while Danica Yates and Evie Moorer each had one goal.

The boys were even more dominant as they did not allow an Autauga Academy goal in the 10-0 shutout. Like the girls, the boys also had a player with three goals in the first half as Tyson Summers led his team to a 5-0 advantage at the half. Five different players scored the five second half goals as the bench was emptied for the 10-0 victory. Tyson Summers finished with three goals followed by David Johnson and Jiwu Kim who each scored twice. Marcus Kim, Jayden Parker, and Connor Smith each scored a goal.

Eagles Breeze Past Verbena in Easy Victory

Breeze is an understatement, it was more like blew past Verbena. The powerful winds kept the flag at attention for most of the game. ACA handled the Red Devils easily on Saturday and felt they could do the same on their own field on Tuesday. A depleted Verbena pitching staff did not help their cause.

Starting pitcher, Alex Heilman set the tone for the game early on as he retired the side in the top of the first on just three pitches. A pitcher can’t be more efficient than that. Just to prove it was no fluke, he retired his fourth batter on his fourth pitch of the game in the second. In all, the sophomore needed only 18 pitches to work his way through three innings. The righty gave up just one hit and struck out two to earn the victory.

ACA took advantage of four Verbena errors in the first inning to put a six-spot on the board. The big hits of the frame were a two-run double by Mason Roosendaal and run scoring two-bagger by Ethan Dabney. Jackson Burton got things cooking in the second as he launched a two-run jack to left center for an 8-0 lead. Roosendall drove in another run with a single to center to make it 9-0. Mac Moorer, Jackson McGuire, and Burton (for the second time in the at-bat) each drove in a run to make it 13-0 after two.

Alabama Christian played base to base in the third with a commanding lead, but still managed to score six more times. Mac Moorer, Jackson McGuire, Teilan Long, Sam Schotteker, and Bryson Dabney each drove in a run in the inning. Levi Summers made his pitching debut in the fourth to close the game out.

Jackson Burton led the offense as he went 3 for 3 with a homer, three RBI’s, and two runs scored. Mason Roosendaal finished 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, three runs driven in, and three runs scored. Jackson McGuire and Mac Moorer both drove in two runs.

Alabama Christian Defeats Autauga Academy in First Ever Meeting

The Eagles (9-6) hosted Autauga Academy, who was a late addition to the schedule, on Tuesday and doubled up the visitors, 6-3. With Maddie Traywick out for the game the pitching duties fell to Izzy Warrick. The senior righty made the most of the opportunity as she won the 50th game of her career.

ACA scored first as Anna Gleason singled to right with two outs. After Emma Redmon came into run for Gleason, she scored on an infield error for a 1-0 lead. In the second, Izzy Warrick had a bases loaded single to center to drive in Chole Childs and Lily Sconyers for a 3-0 advantage. Sconyers knocked the next run in with a double to center in the third followed by a Peri Lane Holley sacrifice driving in Childs. The Generals finally got going in the fourth and tried to get back into the game by scoring three runs. The Eagles responded with a run in the bottom half and Izzy Warrick held Autauga Academy scoreless the rest of the way.

Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game with 14 strikeouts as she overpowered the Generals. Lily Sconyers led the offense with a 3 for 3 day with a double and a run driven in. Warrick, Anna Gleason, Elizabeth Hall, and Chloe Childs each had a single.

ACA Stays Hot in Rams Invitational Tournament

Alabama Christian won games on Tuesday and Thursday earlier in the week and rode the wave of momentum into Valley for the Rams Invitational. ACA defeated Handley (14-1) and Beauregard (3-2) on Friday night and Glenwood (12-0) Saturday morning to finish pool play 3-0. Bracket play started in the afternoon and the Eagles beat Eufaula (12-2) to move to the next round.

Pool Play

Game one - Handley

ACA was beaten by Handley just a week ago at the Benjamin Russell tournament, but were able to turn the tables on Friday with a 14-1 rout. The Eagles scored four times in the first to set the tone for the game. Lily Sconyers, Maddie Traywick, and Chloe Childs all drove in runs in the frame. The offense was back at it in the third with four more runs. After Maddie Owens drove in a run on an infield grounder, three consecutive two-out RBI singles by Sam Burgess, Izzy Warrick, and Campbell Hammett made the score 8-1. The Lady Eagles capped the game with six runs in the fourth and final inning as Warrick’s two-run double was the big hit for the offense.

Izzy Warrick became the all-time career leader in runs scored and fifth player with at least 50 career doubles in the game. She finished 2 for 4 with a double, three RBIs, and two runs scored. She also picked up the victory with five strikeouts over four innings.

Game two - Beauregard

Pitching dominated the second game on Friday night as Maddie Traywick and the opposing pitcher kept both teams off the board for the first four innings. In the fifth, Beauregard scored without a hit as a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and a sac fly produced the first run of the game. ACA answered with a sac fly of their own as Maddie Owens drove in Chloe Childs to tie the game. In the extra inning, Beauregard’s runner who was placed on second scored to give the Hornets a 2-1 lead. Peri Lane Holley was placed at second for ACA with Izzy Warrick at the plate. Warrick had an infield single an advanced to second on an error. With runners at second and third, Campbell Hammett hit the walk-off with a two-run single to center.

Maddie Traywick picked up the win with six strong innings with three strikeouts. Campbell Hammett led the offense with two hits in three at-bats with two runs driven in. Izzy Warrick, Anna Gleason, Chloe Childs, and Adalee Lincoln had the other hits for the Eagles.

Game three - Glenwood

Izzy Warrick’s 200th career game is one Glenwood won’t forget anytime soon. The senior dominated at the plate with a 3 for 3 morning with three runs scored and an RBI. In the circle, she tossed a one-hitter with seven punch outs over four innings. Maddie Traywick also made an impression as she went deep in the third and fourth innings in consecutive at-bats. Traywick is just the third player in program history to have a multi-homer game at least twice in their career. She finished the day 2 for 3 with five runs driven in. Anna Gleason went 2 for 3 with four RBIs while Lily Sconyers and Maddie Owens each had two hits in the game.

Bracket Play

First round - Eufaula

ACA handled Eufaula easily in the first round with four-inning, run-rule victory. Campbell Hammett scored on a wild pitch and Elizabeth Hall had a two-run single to give Alabama Christian a 3-0 lead after one. Neither team scored in the second, but ACA was back at it in the third. Hall produced another two-run knock to make the score 5-0. Eufaula scored twice in the top of the fourth, but the Eagles put a 7-spot on the board to end it. Sam Burgess started the inning by being hit by a pitch and ended it with a two-tun double for the ten-run advantage.

Elizabeth Hall led the offense with a 3 for 3 performance with five runs driven in. Anna Gleason went 2 for 3. Maddie Traywick got the win with four strikeouts in four innings.

Second round - Handley

The second game against Handley was much different than the first. Neither offense could touch home as the pitching dominated for much of the game. In the bottom of the fifth, Maddie Owens got the first ACA hit of the game with one out. Izzy Warrick hit into a fielder’s choice for the second out but was able to steal second and score on a Handley error for a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, ACA committed two errors in the sixth which helped Handley score twice for a 2-1 lead. The Eagles put the tying run in scoring position with one out in the final inning, but were unable to score the run to force extras.

Maddie Owens and Sam Burgess had the only two hits in the game. Izzy Warrick was the tough luck losing pitcher as she went six innings giving up no earned runs and striking out seven batters.

Eagles Split Two in Verbena

ACA (4-4) wrapped a very busy week of baseball with two games at Verbena. The fans and teams were treated to a beautiful day to enjoy. The Eagles defeated the host team in the first game 14-1, but dropped the second game of the day against Westminster-Oak Mountain, 2-14.

Game one - Verbena

The Alabama Christian offense had its best perfromance of the year against Verbena as they set season bests for runs (14) and hits (16). Jackson Burton and Teilan Long both delivered four hits which was the first time since 2007 two players had four hits in the same game. Long also tied the school record with four runs scored in the contest.

Mac Moorer singled on the second pitch of the game and the offense was off and running. Jackson Burton and Alex Heilman both had run scoring hits in the frame as ACA led 4-0 after one. Moorer led off the second with another single to start a five-run inning. Teilan Long drove in two with a single to left and Kade Brannen drove in another as the lead increased to nine runs. All three Alabama Christian runs in the third were tied to Verbena errors as the score was 12-1 after three. The last two runs of the game were scored from another Long RBI hit and an infield out by Levi Summers. Neither team scored in the fifth as ACA won by a score of 14-1.

Jackson Mcguire, who was back after missing two games due to illness, pitched a complete game gem as he held the Red Devils to one run over five innings with nine strikeouts and just one walk. Teilan Long was 4 for 5 with four RBIs and four runs scored while Jackson Burton went 4 for 5 with a double and three runs scored. Jackson McGuire, Mac Moorer, and Alex Heilman each finished with two hits.

Game two - Westminster-Oak Mountain

Alabama Christian showcased some of its younger talent on the mound in game two as Mason Henry took the hill in his first varsity game. The young pitcher held the Knights scoreless in the first with just a two-out walk allowed. The offense put two on the board in the bottom half to give ACA an early lead. Jackson Burton singled Jackson McGuire in and later scored on a wild pitch to gain the two-run advantage. After a walk and hit batter, the Westminster coach had a quick hook for his starter and brought in a relief pitcher. The righty struck out the next two Eagles to restore order for the Knights. In the second, a two-out walk was all Henry gave up again as ACA maintained a 2-0 lead after two.

With one out in the third, Westminster got on a hot streak that ACA could not stop. Seven consecutive batters reached base, including six straight hits, before Henry was pulled trailing 2-7. Mason Roosendaal came in to relieve Henry and gave up three more hits before Westminster could be retired. The Knights scored ten runs in all in the at-bat to take control of the game. The Eagles had a couple of chances to try and get back in it, but could not deliver the clutch hit when needed. In the third, ACA had runners on first and second with no outs, but two infield fly pop ups killed the rally. In the fourth, the first two runners again reached base, but a double play ball up the middle put a stop to the scoring chance. Westminster scored four in the top of the fifth to make the score 14-2. ACA ended the game by hitting into another double play for the run-rule defeat.

Jackson Burton finished 2 for 2 with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored. Beau Gainey also had two hits in two at-bats while Kade Brannen had the team’s other hit.

ACA Sends Providence Christian Home in Walk Off Fashion

For the first time since 2020, Alabama Christian (3-3) won all three of its games in the Jason Armstrong FCA tournament. Friday night’s victory was a thriller as the Eagles overcame a two run deficit and won the game in the seventh, 4-3.

Providence Christian struck first as they pushed across a run in the opening inning with two walks and a single for a 1-0 lead. After struggling with his control in the first, Cam Sutton got just what the doctor ordered in the second as he retired the side in order on just six pitches. The score remained the same until the bottom of the third. Levi Summers started the inning with an infield single deep in the hole at short. Ethan Dabney sacrificed him to second for the first out of the frame. With two outs, Alex Heilman (fast becoming one of the most consistent bats in the lineup) delivered a single to right scoring Summers to tie the score.

The Eagles from Dothan put runners at second and third with no outs to start the fourth. Cam Sutton got the next two batters out and it looked as if ACA would escape unscathed, but a wild pitch allowed Providence to score and retake the lead, 2-1. They added a third run in the fifth for a two run lead. In the bottom half, Levi Summers led off with a walk followed by an Ethan Dabney line drive triple that tailed away from the right fielder as he made a diving effort. Summers scored to cut the Providence lead to one run. Alex Heilman delivered again as he singled to right, scoring Dabney, to tie the game, 3-3. Neither team scored in the sixth and Teilan Long came in for ACA to pitch the seventh in relief of Sutton. Long navigated the top of the opponent’s lineup only giving up a one-out walk.

Ethan Dabney led off the seventh with a four-pitch walk. With one out, Alex Heilman walked which forced a pitching change for Providence. The pitching style went from a hard throwing lefty to a right handed soft tosser, but the result was the same. Jackson Burton walked to load the bases with one out. Teilan Long came to the plate with a chance to give himself his first pitching decision of his varsity career. On a 1-0 pitch the freshman hit a hard ground ball into left field for the win.

Although he did not factor in the decision, Cam Sutton pitched a gutsy six innings with four strikeouts. Teilan Long picked up the win with his relief work in the seventh. Alex Heliman led the hitters with a 2 for 3 night with a walk and two runs driven in. Jackson Burton, Ethan Dabney, Teilan Long, and Levi Summers each had one hit in the game. Dabney and Summers combined to score all four of the team’s runs, each scoring twice.

Alabama Christian Defeats LAMP in Home Opener

ACA (4-5) dispatched a hapless LAMP squad in a five inning, run-rule affair. The Lady Eagles were aided by six Golden Tiger errors and other miscues that led to multiple runs. Izzy Warrick and Campbell Hammett scored the first two runs of the game on passed balls. Maddie Owens singled in two to make it 4-0 as the offense plated five runs in the first. The offense added two in the second to run the score to 7-0.

Alabama Christian scored four more in the third for the important ten-plus run lead. If they could hold LAMP scorelss everyone would go home early. That was no problem for Izzy Warrick. The senior dominated the LAMP batters as she gave up only one hit on the afternoon. Neither team scored in the fourth and when LAMP was kept off the board in the fifth, the game was over, 11-0.

Izzy Warrick was brilliant in the circle as she picked up the win with five strong innings and seven strikeouts. The senior also shined at the plate as she went 2 for 2 with a double and a triple with a walk, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Maddie Owens finished 2 for 3 with two runs driven in. Campbell Hammett stole four bases in the contest and score three runs.

ACA Shuts Out Brew Tech at Paterson Field

It was a beautiful day for baseball and the Eagles (2-3) added to the experience as they defeated Brew Tech 9-0. The Rams are coached by former ACA baseball star, Mario Galloway, class of 2017. Mac Moorer took the hill for ACA and was in control from the first pitch of the game. The righty threw an economic 75 pitches over six innings with two-thirds of them being strikes.

Neither team scored in the first two innings even though the Eagles put runners on in each frame. ACA finally broke the seal in the third as they scored three times. Mac Moorer hit a single to right to score Ethan Dabney for the first run and later scored from second on a wild pitch that the Rams couldn’t corral. Teilan Long drove in the third run with a line drive to left scoring Alex Heilman.

The wheels came off a bit for Brew Tech in the fourth. The Eagles first three batter reached to load the bases thanks to two defensive errors. A wild pitch produced the fourth run and an infield throwing error allowed two more runs to cross. ACA reloaded the bases with a walk and a hit batter with one out. Levi Summers drew a walk to score a run and Teilan Long scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-0. The final run of the game came on a run scoring grounder from Mason Roosendaal. After four, ACA led 9-0 and just needed a run to send the fans home early. In the fifth, Alabama Christian loaded the bases with one out, but could not score. In the sixth, they loaded them again, this time with two outs, but still could not score. Alex Heilman pitched the seventh to close it out for the 9-0 victory.

Mac Moorer picked up the win as he pitched six shutout innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. Ethan Dabney led the offense with a 3 for 4 performance with two runs scored. Alex Heilman reached base four times as he delivered two hits with a walk and a hit batsman. Moorer and Teilan Long each reached base three times on the afternoon.

Alabama Christian Defeats Glenwood in Area Play

ACA hosted Glenwood in its first Area match of the season. The Gators led 1-0 at the break, but the Eagles turned up the offensive pressure in the second half. Seniors Tyson Summers’ and Karson Oakley’s second half goals propelled the Eagles to a 2-1 triumph. Summers scored with 9:33 left in the match on a left cross from almost 30 yards out. Oakley hit the game winner on a penalty kick with 3:03 left to give the home team the big win. Austin Cook recorded seven saves in goal. The girls dropped their Area opener 3-1 to the Lady Gators.

Eagles Overwhelm Marbury in Blowout

After dropping a decision to Catholic on Monday, ACA bounced back with a dominating 14-2 defeat of Marbury. The Lady Eagles scored in every inning but one as Coach Whisenant emptied the bench. The offense scored twice in the first on a bases loaded walk and a run scoring ground out. Maddie Traywick doubled in a run in the third and later scored herself to stretch the lead to 4-0. ACA added three more in the fourth as the lead grew to a comfortable seven runs.

Izzy Warrick doubled home Chloe Childs in the fifth and Anna Gleason drove in Maddie Traywick in the sixth to give the Eagles a 9-0 cushion. Alabama Christian scored five in the final frame to make it 14-0. The Bulldogs scored two in their final at-bat for the final margin of 14-2.

As the Eagles scored runs consistently, Izzy Warrick gave the Marbury offense nothing. The senior held the home team to four hits while striking out 14 Bulldogs. Maddie Traywick led the offense with a perfect 4 for 4 night with a double and four runs driven in. At the top of the lineup, Warrick and Campbell Hammett both had two hits and combined for five runs scored.

ACA Defeats Trinity to Open FCA Tournament

It’s a great experience to be able to play at Riverwalk and Paterson each year in the Jason Armstrong FCA Tournament. It’s even more fun when you can beat one of your rivals in the process. The Eagles (1-3) opened play this week at Riverwalk and defeated Trinity 5-2. As good as the team looked today, it’s hard to believe this was the first win of the year. Hopefully the victory will boost confidence and spur the team to many more wins.

Jackson McGuire set the tone early as he mowed the Wildcats down 1-2-3 in the first while striking out the first two hitters. In the second, Trinity put runners on second and third with no one out, but the senior hurler gave up just one run and struck out two more batters. ACA tied the game in the third thanks to a Jackson Burton sac fly that scored Mason Roosendaal and took the lead as the Wildcat first baseman could not hold on to the throw from short, scoring Ethan Dabney. The Wildcats threatened again in the third as they loaded the bases with one out. Once again, McGuire allowed only a single run to keep the score 2-2.

Neither team scored in the fourth although Alabama Christian did load the bases with two outs, but could not plate a run. The fifth inning started innocently enough as Jackson Burton led off with a single, but the next two hitters were retired. Levi Summers drew a walk and the Wildcat reliever developed a case of the yips on the mound. He balked twice during Alex Heilman’s at-bat scoring Burton and moving Summers to third. Adding insult to injury, Heilman singled to right to drive in the runner from third to give the Eagles a 4-2 advantage.

After Jackson McGuire got the first two outs in the fifth, Coach Guice made the move to the bullpen and brought Mason Roosendaal to the mound. The young reliever struck out the next batter to end the Wildcat threat. Jackson Burton helped tack on an insurance run in the sixth as he doubled over the left fielder’s head to drive in Mac Moorer. The defense flashed the leather in the sixth as Teilan Long made a great running catch in shallow right field for the first out. Levi Summers handled the next two as he caught a third strike foul tip for the second out and threw out the batter at first after strike three bounced up to the plate to end the frame. ACA again loaded the bases in the seventh, but did not score. Sometimes, the hardest three outs in the game are the last three, but Roosendaal handled the situation like a veteran to close the game.

Jackson McGuire earned the victory as he pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one earned run with six strikeouts, four looking. Mason Roosendaal picked up the save with 2 1/3 innings of relief work as he allowed just one hit and struck out four. Jackson Burton led the charge at the plate as he went 3 for 3 with a double and two RBIs. Alex Heilman went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run driven in while Ethan Dabney was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Mac Moorer was up to his old tricks as he went 1 for 1 and was hit twice by WIldcat pitchers.

Alabama Christian Participates in Second Tournament of the Season

ACA opened the season last weekend with a tournament in Prattville and continued with another tournament in Alexander City this weekend. Alabama Christian played Benjamin Russell, Sylacauga, and Handley in the Central Alabama Softball Classic. The Eagles maintained the same pattern as the first tourney with a win in the middle game of the three played.

In the two losses, the Eagles were beaten by identical 1-6 scores. Against Benjamin Russell, Izzy Warrick, Adalee Linclon, Maddie Traywick, and Campbell Hammett each had hits while Hammett scored the only run. In Saturday’s game against Handley, Warrick, Lily Sconyers, and Chloe Childs delivered hits with Warrick scoring the lone run.

Against Sylacauga, Izzy Warrick got things going with a leadoff double, a steal of third, and scored on an RBI ground out. ACA scored another run in the second due to a Bentley Lamberth single for a 2-0 lead. The offense tacked on four more runs in the third highlighted by a two-run double by Elizabeth Hall. ACA added single runs in the fourth and fifth to push the final score to 8-1. In the circle, Warrick dominated the Aggies as she struck out 12 over five innings to earn the victory.

Eagles Defeat Houston Academy in the Cold

ACA (3-1) defeated Houston Academy 3-2 Friday night on the campus of Alabama Christian. The Eagles led 2-1 at the half on goals from David Johnson and Isaiah DeBerry. With the game knotted 2-2, Karson Oakley scored on a corner kick with 4:20 left in the match for the game winning goal. Austin Cook recorded seven saves in goal and Tyson Summers had an assist in the win.

The Lady Eagles (1-1) fell to Houston Academy 1-9. The game was still close at the break, but the visitors pulled away in the second half, scoring six times. Katelyn Sutton had the lone goal for ACA assisted by Chloe Jordan.

ACA Comeback Falls Short in Extra Innings

It was another frigid night of baseball as Alabama Christian (0-3) hosted Chilton County in its home opener. Thankfully, the forecast calls for warmer temps next week. ACA had a four-run seventh to force extras, but could not pull off the W. The Eagles actually outhit the visitors 10 to 9, but seven of the Tiger’s nine hits were for extra bases including two home runs.

The Tigers first homer of the night came in the first for a 2-0 lead. Neither team scored over the next three frames as each pitcher settled into a nice groove aided by an umpire who loved the curveball. Any curve close to the plate was going to be a strike. in the fifth, Chilton County tacked on three more runs for a seemingly commanding 5-0 advantage. ACA got on the board in the bottom half as four Eagles, Mac Moorer, Jackson McGuire, Jackson Burton, and Teilan Long, all reached after two were out. Long’s infield single drove in Moorer to cut the score to 1-5.

As the bottom of the seventh approached, ACA had one final chance to get back in the game. Sam Schotteker led off with a bloop single to left and advanced to second one batter later on an infield ground out. Jackson McGuire rifled a ball just inside the third base line for a double to cut the deficit to three runs. Jackson Burton singled to center, but Mcguire was initially held up at third. However, he would eventually score on the play as the catcher uncorked an errant throw trying to nail Burton at second. Teilan Long walked and Bryson Dabney was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Levi Summers hit a grounder to the shortstop, but the Tigers could not turn the double play as the runners on second and third both scored to tie the game, 5-5. Chilton County answered quickly as they hit the second pitch of the eighth out for a 6-5 lead. ACA went quietly in the bottom half.

Jackson McGuire led the offense as he went 3 for 5 with two doubles and an RBI, Teilan Long finished 2 for 3 with a double with a run driven in while Jackson Burton also had two hits in three at-bats. Although Cam Sutton took the loss, he pitched effectively in relief as he gave up just three hits in 3 2/3 innings with four strikeouts. Starter Mac Moorer lasted 4 1/3 innings with seven punch outs.