It seems to work this way most years. The week before games are scheduled to start you experience the best weather, but when it’s time for the games to start, old man winter makes a comeback. Thursday night, Alabama Christian (0-1) opened the season in Wetumpka as the temperature hovered in the 40’s with a brisk wind from the north. Although the Indians ultimately run-ruled ACA in six innings (14-3), the game was more competitive than the final score allowed. The pitching was not bad as the four hurlers gave up just five earned runs, but the defense committed six errors and the offense mustered just five hits.
Cam Sutton set the Indians down in order in the first on just 13 pitches. Alex Heilman delivered the first hit of the year in the second as he drove Sam Schotteker home with a single to left. Wetumpka scored two in the bottom half, but a line drive double play ended the inning with the home team ahead 2-1. Neither team scored in the third and the Indians brought in a reliever for the fourth inning. It was the right move by the Wetumpka manager. The pitcher would strike out seven over the next three innings as he dominated the back half of the game.
With the Eagles bats stymied, Wetumpka pulled away scoring twelve runs over the final three innings. The only runs ACA was able to push across was on a Levi Summers sac fly in the sixth which ended up scoring two due to an errant throw from the right fielder.
Bryson Dabney led the offense as he went 2 for 3 with a run scored. Jackson Burton, Alex Heilman, and Levi Summers delivered the other three hits on the night. Jeremiah Johnson made his varsity debuts in the opener.
Alabama Christian visits Catholic on Tuesday, February 18th, in its next action.