To look at the 12-4 final score against St James on Thursday, you would think the Trojans blew ACA (9-12) out in the first game of the Area series, but final scores can be deceiving, The Eagles trailed by just two runs after six innings and had multiple chances during the game to score and overtake its opponent.
The wind was swirling prior to first pitch and played a role on the first ball put into play. The Trojans benefited from the wind with a bloop double to right to start. St James moved the runner over and drove him home with a ground out for a 1-0 lead. Alabama Christian had a golden chance to respond in the bottom half. ACA loaded the bases with no outs, but the next three batters failed to put the ball in play and the score stayed 1-0. The Trojans were back at it in the third as back to back errors loaded the bases. St James plated four runs in the inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead. In the fifth the visitors added a sixth run and seemed poised for an easy victory.
In the bottom of the fifth, Alabama Christian finally scored thanks to Trojan miscues. Levi Summers started the rally with a lead off single followed by a one-out knock from Mac Moorer. Jackson Mcguire walked to load the bases once again for the Eagles. Summers scored on a passed ball for the first run and Moorer and McGuire scored after an infield error to cut the lead to 6-3. In the sixth, Teilan Long scored after he stole third and came home on an error by the third baseman to cut the lead to two runs. Unfortunately for ACA, they could not keep the game close in the seventh to give themselves a chance. St James scored six in the frame to blow it open, 12-4. In the home team’s final chance, the first two batters reached, but like the rest of the game, the next three batters were retired in order to end the game.
Landon Nelson pitched his heart out, but got the loss as he gave up seven earned runs with four strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Mac Moorer had half of the team’s hits as he finished 2 for 4 with a run scored. Jackson McGuire and Levi Summers produced the other two hits. Nelson drove in two runs for top honors.
Alabama Christian continues the Area series against St James on Friday in a must-win situation.