ACA Splits Doubleheader with LAMP on Senior Night

Senior night started in the worse way possible, but Landon Nelson’s dominant performance in game two salvaged the night. ACA (10-15) honored the team’s three seniors, Grant Cornette, Zander Costanza, and Landon Nelson.

LAMP jumped all over the Eagle starter in game one with four runs in the first inning and one more in the second before the first of three relievers came in. The pitchers all played on the JV team during the year and made their varsity mound debuts in the game. Alex Heilman, who had played in a few varsity games earlier in the season was the first reliever. Cade Brannen and Beau Gainey both made their first appearance in a varsity game as the second and third relievers used. LAMP would eventually score eighteen and runs and have just as many hits in an 18-2 victory. The nightmare game ended in fitting fashion as Jackson McGuire lined into a triple play. Although there were no outs, both runners took off like there were two outs and were tagged out easily.

Jackson McGuire and Bryson Dabney were the bright spots offensively as McGuire finished 2 for 4 and Dabney was 1 for 2 with two runs scored.

The home team had a decision to make before game two, they could continue to take a beating or show some fight. Landon Nelson put the team on his back and dominated on the mound with a complete game effort and a new career high 14 strikeouts in a 5-1 triumph.

Over the first two innings both teams scored a run without the benefit of a hit as the rain came down. Jackson Mcguire had the game’s first hit with a two-out single in the third. ACA broke the game open in the fifth as the home team loaded the bases with one out. McGuire was hit by a pitch for a 2-1 lead. Landon Nelson hit a sac fly to center for a 3-1 lead and Jackson Burton hit a bloop single to shallow right for a 4-1 advantage. Teilan Long scored an insurance run in the sixth as he stole third and came home on an errant throw. In the seventh, Nelson struck out the first two LAMP batters and the last out was a pop-up to the senior to end it.

Landon Nelson drove in two to lead the team as Mac Moorer scored two runs for top honors. Four players, Jackson Burton, Teilan Long, Jackson McGuire, and Moorer, each had a single for the team’s only hits.

Alabama Christian Beats Trinity in Area Road Win

After dropping the Area opener to St James, ACA (4-10) bounced back with an 11-5 triumph at Trinity. The Lady Eagles scored three runs in the top of the first and never trailed in the game. Izzy Warrick pitched a complete game to earn the win in the circle.

After Izzy Warrick scored on a passed ball, Lily Sconyers drove in two with a single to center for a 3-0 lead in the first. Trinity scored two in the third to keep the game close, until the fifth inning. Anna Gleason and Campbell Hammett both had run scoring hits to increase the lead to 6-2. The Wildcats answered with a homer to cut the lead to 6-4 after five.

ACA scored four in the sixth as Maddie Traywick and Campbell Hammett both drove in runs and two more scored compliments of the Trinity defense. Chloe Childs drove in the final run with a bunt single for an 11-4 lead. Trinity scored one in the home half of the seventh, but could get no closer.

Five batters, AG Blackburn, Lily Sconyers, Maddie Traywick, Anna Gleason, and Campbell Hammett, each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Sconyers and Hammett both drove in two runs while Blackburn, Sconyers, Traywick, and Gleason each scored two runs.

ACA will play this weekend in a tournament in Pike Road.

Eagles Drop Important Area Game to St James

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.

ACA Records Much Needed Victory Over LAMP

Alabama Christian (3-10) had an enjoyable day at the ball field with a 14-2 demolition of LAMP. Maddies Traywick and Owens combined for a no-hitter despite the defense allowing two runs. The feat kept a streak alive of throwing at least one no-hitter every year since 1996 except for the COVID season of 2020.

LAMP scored twice in the first inning due to two ACA errors to take an early 2-0 lead. The Eagles answered quickly as the first seven batters in the lineup reached safely. AG Blackburn started the scoring for the home team with a two-run triple down the left field line, plating Izzy Warrick and Annabelle Pugh. LAMP gave two back as ACA took the lead 4-2 on consecutive miscues. Campbell Hammett made it 5-2 with a line drive single to left and Warrick wrapped up the scoring with a two-run single to left. Maddie Traywick struck out two in the second and brought Alabama Christian’s offense back to the plate quickly. ACA extended the lead to 9-2 in the second.

LAMP led off the third with a walk, but Annabelle Pugh took care of the base runner as she tried to steal second. The next two batters were retired in order. Izzy Warrick continued to drive in runners as she hit another two-run single in the third for an 11-2 lead. The junior continued to put pressure on the Golden Tiger defense as she stole third and scored the team’s twelfth run after an error trying to throw her out. Maddie Traywick made it 13-2 with an RBI single to left for the last run of the third. Traywick struck out the side in the fourth to continue the no-hitter. ACA’s last run was plated by Warrick who knocked in Sydney Jones with a bloop single by the second baseman. Maddie Owens pitched the fifth and final inning and faced the minimum of three batters.

Izzy Warrick led the squad with three hits and drove in five runs with two runs scored. Lily Sconyers and Campbell Hammett both had two hits while Sconyers scored three runs. Maddie Traywick earned the win in the circle with nine strikeouts in four innings.

Eagles Cruise to Easy Victory

Alabama Christian (9-11) hosted Percy Julian, formerly known as Lee, on Monday and posted the team’s ninth win of the year. The home team scored ten in the first and the game was never really competitive in the 15-1 blowout. Despite the lopsided score, the Eagles only outhit their opponent four to three.

Jackson Burton got the surprise start and set down the visitors in order in the first. In the bottom half, nine of the first ten batters reached, including Mac Moorer reaching twice in the span. Only three of the ten runs were scored by hits as the other seven were scored in a variety of ways. Four runs scored on wild pitches, two from a throwing error on the catcher, and one from a bases loaded walk. Burton ran out of gas in the second and left the mound with two runners on and two outs. In relief, Grant Cornette struck out the next batter to end the frame. ACA did not score in the second and the game remained 10-0.

in the third Julian put together a couple of hits and scored a run on a double steal to get on the scoreboard. In the home half, three more runs scored without a hit to make the margin 13-1. Bryson Dabney ended the scoring with a two-run single, scoring Jackson Burton and Teilan Long.

Landon Nelson led the offense with a 2 for 2 night with two runs driven in and three runs scored. Zander Costanza and Bryson Dabney delivered the team’s other two hits. Connor Foucault and Dabney both drove in two runs. Jackson Burton and Grant Cornette combined for nine strikeouts over four innings on the hill.

Alabama Christian hosts Billingsley on Tuesday in its next axtion.

Lady Eagles Drop Close One to PCA

After an unusual 13 day layoff in the middle of the season, the ACA (2-10) softball team hosted PCA on Thursday. The game was tied after five innings, but the Panthers scored two in the sixth to come away with a road victory. The home team did not help themselves as they committed eight errors. PCA was not much better as they had seven of their own.

The Panthers scored one in the top of the first, but ACA responded when Maddie Traywick singled to center and tied the game. In the third, the Eagles took their only lead of the day as Annabelle Pugh drove in Izzy Warrick for a 2-1 lead. PCA tied it back up in the fourth as they scored on an Eagle error. The Panthers added two runs in the fifth, but it was ACA’s turn to respond as they tied it up in the bottom half. Warrick led off the frame with a single to right and later scored on a Traywick ground out to cut the lead to one. With two outs, Lily Sconyers drove in the second run of the inning with a single to center that scored Elizabeth Hall. Another error in the sixth opened the door for PCA as they scored two in the sixth for a 6-4 advantage. Over the final two innings, Alabama Christian only one player reach base as they were unable to answer PCA one last time.

Although Izzy Warrick took the loss in the circle, she pitched well allowing no earned runs with nine strikeouts over seven. Four players, Warrick, Annabelle Pugh, Maddie Traywick, and Lily Sconyers, each had one hit for the Eagle offense. Traywick drove in two to lead the team and Warrick scored two for top honors.

ACA begins Area play on Monday as they host St James.

Eagles Run Rule Carver in Four Innings

As ACA (7-9) readies for Area play at the end of the week, the Eagles have two games against local opponents on Monday and Tuesday. Monday’s contest saw Alabama Christian host an over matched Carver team and the home team won easily, 16-1.

Carver scored in the first to take an early lead, but Garnt Cornette knocked in Mac Moorer to tie the score. After Moorer went an inning to start, Landon Nelson struck out the side after giving up a leadoff single in the second. In the bottom of the second, the wheels fell off for Carver as ACA scored eleven runs in the frame. Ten of the first eleven batters reached safely as Carver committed three errors. The run scoring hits belonged to Moorer with a two-run double and Nelson with an RBI single. The other eight runs scored on an assortment of errors, passed balls, wild pitches, and walks.

Cam Sutton came in to pitch the third and gave up one hit as he faced four batters. ACA hoped to end it in the third, but managed just one run to keep the game alive for another inning. Sutton came back out for the fourth and set the Wolverines down 1-2-3. in the home half of the inning it looked as if we might play another as two of the first three Eagle batters were retired. However, the next three players reached and Grant Cornette ended it with a single to center to make the lead fifteen.

Grant Cornette led the offense with three hits in four at bats with a run scored and two driven in. Mac Moorer, Landon Nelson, and Teilan Long collected the team’s other three hits. Moorer drove in two runs to match Cornette for the top spot while six players scored two runs. Nelson picked up the win with an inning of relief. The three pitchers combined on a two-hitter with eight strikeouts over four innings.

If weather allows, ACA visits Catholic on Tuesday in their next contest.

Alabama Christian Finishes Week with Dominant Performance

After dropping the third game of the week on Tuesday to Goodpasture (TN) the Eagles bounced back on Wednesday and trounced Victory Christian (OK) by a score of 14-1 in four innings. ACA split their four games played over spring break.

The game started in a competitive manner as ACA scored two in the first inning and Victory responded with one in the bottom half. However, the Eagles ended any suspense in the second inning as they exploded for eight runs in the second. After the leadoff hitter was retired, the next eight batters reached safely. Alabama Christian loaded the bases without the benefit of a hit. Jackson McGuire, Landon Nelson, and Grant Cornette each drove in single runs before Jackson Burton delivered the big blast with a grand slam over the left field fence to give ACA a 9-1 advantage. Cam Sutton drove in the last run of the frame for a 10-1 lead.

Landon Nelson, who gave up a run in the first on the mound, settled in and mowed down the Conquerers as he retired nine of the next ten hitters over the final three innings. The senior helped his own cause with a two-run double in the third followed by a two-run single by Grant Cornette for a commanding 14-1 cushion. Neither team scored in the fourth as the game ended after four innings.

Mac Moorer, Landon Nelson, and Grant Cornette each delivered two hits to lead the offense. Moorer scored three runs while Nelson and Cornette each drove in three runs. Jackson Burton led the team in RBIs with four driven in with one swing of the bat. Nelson dominated on the mound to earn the victory as he gave up two hits and one run with nine strikeouts over four innings.

Alabama Christian returns to action next Monday, March 25, as they travel to Greenville.

ACA Splits a Pair on Day One of Spring Break Tournament

Spring break for the baseball team started at 9:00 am Monday morning at the ball field. Alabama Christian (5-8) played Brighton (TN) in the first game and Hilldale (OK) in game number two. Game one was a nine inning thriller that ACA won 4-3 while game two got away from the Eagles late in a 2-10 loss.

Game one - Brighton

The Eagles struck first and scored three runs in the first two innings. in the first, Mac Moorer and Jackson McGuire got on to start the inning, but it took a two-out single from Jackson Burton to plate the first run of the game. In the bottom half, Moorer and McGuire teamed up again as they got the last out of the inning by throwing a runner out who was attempting to steal home. in the second, after loading the bases with no outs, Bryson Dabney singled in the second run of the day and McGuire knocked in the third run on an RBI fielder’s choice. Meanwhile, Moorer, who got the start on the hill, breezed through the Brighton lineup the fist time around as he faced the minimum of nine batters through the first three innings.

In the fourth inning, Brighton finally scored with the help of two Eagle errors to cut the deficit to one run. The designated home team hoped to score more than two, but Sam Schoeteker made a fabulous catch for the third out in center to end the threat. Neither offense could get any momentum in the fifth and sixth innings and the teams went to the seventh with ACA still clinging to a one-run lead, 3-2.

In the seventh, Bryson Dabney led off the inning being hit by a pitch, but could only get as far as second base. In the bottom half, Brighton put together two hits to tie the game 3-3. Landon Nelson came in with two outs to try to keep it tied. After giving up an infield single, Nelson recorded the third out as the game headed to extra innings. Neither offense put anyone on base in the eighth and the ninth started that way for the Eagles. The first two batters in the inning struck out, but the next three reached safely to put Alabama Christian ahead. Dabney was hit for the second time in the game followed by a walk from Mac Moorer. Jackson McGuire delivered the game winning single to center on an 0-2 count to give ACA the lead. Nelson closed the door in the bottom half and the Eagles walked away with a thrilling win to start the day.

Jackson McGuire led the offense with a 2 for 5 day with two runs driven in while Teilan Long went 2 for 4 in the opener. Jackson Burton and Bryson Dabney both had a hit and an RBI. Landon Nelson picked up the win with 2 1/3 innings of relief work with two strikeouts. Starter Mac Moorer, who pitched well enough to win, lasted 6 2/3 innings while striking out four and allowing just two earned runs.

Game two - Hilldale

ACA scored first in game two as well, but that was the highlight of the second game. Grant Cornette knocked in Mac Moorer with an RBI ground out to take an early 1-0 lead. ACA loaded the bases in the second, but was unable to push across a run. The Hilldale bats came alive in the third as they scored four in the frame for a three-run advantage. Trailing 5-1 in the sixth, the Eagles loaded the bases again and scored their second run when Moorer was hit by pitch, but three runs down would be as close as they would get. Hilldale doubled their score as they scored five in the sixth to end it by a final score of 10-2.

The offense mustered just three singles from Grant Cornette, Telian Long, and Cam Sutton although they were hit by pitch five times and drew two walks. Cornette and Mac Moorer drove in the two runs. Cam Sutton got the loss as he gave up five earned runs in five innings while striking out three. Long made his debut on the mound for the varsity as he pitched to the last two hitters of the game.

ACA beats Northside at Tournament in Orange Beach

The Lady Eagles (2-9) defeated Northside 9-2 on day one of the Pot O’ Gold Tournament on Thursday. ACA was scheduled to played four games in all, but the last game against Milton (FL) was cancelled due to weather. The highlight of the weekend came as Izzy Warrick set a new single game record with five steals against Bob Jones.

Game one - Bob Jones

Alabama Christian outhit the Patriots and led 5-4 heading to the bottom of the fifth, but Bob Jones scored two to take the lead and closed it out in the sixth. ACA started the scoring as Elizabeth Hall knocked in Izzy Warrick in the first for a 1-0 lead. The designated home team tied it up in the bottom half with an RBI single. In the third, the Eagles scored two runs as the first four batters reached base. Annabelle Pugh drove in one with a single to center and Anna Gleason drove the second in with an infield ground out. The Patriots scored three in the third thanks to three ACA errors to retake the lead 4-3. Lily Sconyers and Sydney Jones drove in runs in the fifth as the Eagles see sawed back in the lead. Bob Jones hit a two-run homer in the bottom half to retake the lead and the game, 6-5.

Izzy Wrrick led the offense with a 3 for 3 day with five steals and two runs scored. Elizabeth Hall and Lily Sconyers both had two hits and drove in a run. Maddie Traywick went the distance, but took the loss over five innings with two strikeouts.

Game two - Northside

In the second game Thursday night, ACA whipped Northside 9-2 in five innings. Izzy Warrick got things going immediately as she led the game off with a single, advanced to second on the throw from the left fielder, stole third, and scored on an error by the third baseman during the steal attempt. Warrick then took the circle and blanked the Rams for four innings. The ACA offense exploded in the fourth with six tuns to take a commanding 7-0 lead. The Eagles had four hits in the frame, the biggest of which was a three-run smash by Maddie Traywick. Both teams scored two in the fifth as time ran out during ACA’s half of the inning.

Three players led the way at the plate as Campbell Hammett, Anna Gleason, and Izzy Warrick each delivered two hits. Warrick and Chloe Childs both scored two runs while Maddie Traywick led the team with three runs driven in. Warrick picked up the win as she allowed zero earned runs over five innings with five punch outs.

Game three - Orange Beach

ACA was treated rudely by the host team as they were dominated in a 0-12 loss to the Macos. The Lady Eagles were no-hit over six innings and were run-ruled as a three-run homer ended it. Maddie Traywick took the loss as she pitched all six innings.

ACA Impresses in Road WIn at Tallassee

Tallassee handled Alabama Christian in its first match up of the season, but the Eagles turned the tables on Thursday night with a convincing 6-1 defeat of the Tigers. It was the best performance of the year heading into spring break. The home dugout was loud and rowdy to start the game, but as the Eagle pitching and defense kept posting zeroes on the scoreboard, the dugout grew quieter and quieter. One group that did not stay quiet was Tallassee’s own peanut gallery who were perched on a hill all the way down the left field line. Despite the distance from the field, the group was able to point out everything the umpires missed.

Cam Sutton started for ACA and performed masterfully as he used his defense behind him with an efficient effort. Sutton faced just eight batters over the first two frames as his catcher, Jackson McGuire helped him out of trouble in the second. With one out and runners on first and third, McGuire threw out the runner attempting to steal second for the second out of the inning. It was a close play and the Tallassee coach disagreed with the call. When the next batter flew out to left, the coach chirped at blue all the way across the infield. After several warnings to stop, the umpire tossed the coach out of the game.

The Eagles offense then provided some fireworks of its own with three runs in the third. Bryson Dabney led off the inning with a walk followed by a Mac Moorer single. Jackson McGuire tried to move the runners over with a sac bunt, but Dabney was forced out at third for the first out. The next three batters, Landon Nelson, Grant Cornette, and Jackson Burton, each drove in a run to build a 3-0 lead. Tallassee finally scored in the fourth, but Sutton held the Tigers to a single run. Neither team scored in the fifth or sixth as ACA looked to add some insurance in their final at bat.

Mac Moorer and Jackson McGuire started the seventh with back to back walks. Landon Nelson singled to center to drive in Moorer and move McGuire to third. An infield error loaded the bases and Jackson Burton followed with a ground ball single to center to drive in two runs for a 6-1 cushion. Nelson, who came in to relieve the starter in the fifth, set the Tigers down in order by striking out the side to pick up the save.

Three players delivered two hits apiece to lead the offense in the win. Jackson Burton went 2 for 3 with three RBIs while Mac Moorer finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored and Landon Nelson was 2 for 4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Bryant Swindle, who courtesy ran for Jackson McGuire, scored the other two runs. Cam Sutton picked up his first varsity victory going 4 1/3 innings while giving up a run with one strikeout. In relief, Nelson pitched 2 2/3 innings and struck out six to earn the save.

The Eagles head south for spring break to play four games in Gulf Shores. Monday’s schedule sees ACA face Brighton (TN) and Hilldale (OK).

Lady Eagles Pick up First Win in Early Week Play

Meagan Whisenant recorded her first win as head coach of Alabama Christian (1-6) as her team beat Stanhope Elmore in a continuation of the season opener from February 22. Eighteen days passed between the start of the game and the finish, but it took the Eagles just one inning on Monday to win 9-8 in eight innings. The game ended tied at seven two weeks ago. In the top of the eighth, Stanhope Elmore scored once to take an 8-7 lead over ACA. In the bottom half, Maddie Traywick led off with a single to tie it then stole second and third with one out. Anna Gleason hit a ball the Mustang shortstop could not handle and Traywick scored the game winner.

In game two, ACA pitching held the Mustangs to just four hits, but the Eagles lost 1-4. Stanhope scored two in the first to take an early lead. The Eagles lone run of the contest came in the second as Bentley Lamberth scored after an infield error by the home team. The Mustangs scored two more in the third for a 4-1 advantage. ACA had at least one runner on three of the final four frames, but could not come through with a timely hit to cut the margin. Four players, Izzy Warrick, Elizabeth Hall, Anna Gleason, and Anna Prempramot, each had singles while Warrick and Campbell Hammett each stole two bases. Maddie Traywick and Warrick split the pitching duties.

On Tuesday, ACA met Catholic for the 63rd time in series history. Like Monday, Eagle pitching held its opponent’s offense to minimum success, but a lack of offense resulted in a 2-3 defeat at the hands of the Lady Knights. Catholic scored on a wild pitch for the first run of the game. ACA loaded the bases with two outs in the third and put two runners on in the fifth, but were unable to score. Izzy Warrick relieved Maddie Traywick in the fifth and Catholic was able to extend their lead to 2-0. The Eagles finally scored in the sixth as Maddie Owens singled in AG Blackburn to cut the lead to one run. Unfortunately, the Knights scored one run, which would prove monumental, in the bottom half for an insurance run to build the lead back to two runs. In the Eagles final at bat, Elizabeth Hall singled to center to drive in Warrick with two outs, but the next batter ground out to the pitcher to end the game.

Elizabeth Hall led the offense with a 2 for 3 day with a double and an RBI. Maddie Traywick and Izzy Warrick once again split the pitching duties as Traywick took the loss.

ACA Defeats Greenville in Armstrong Tournament

There were doubts all day about whether or not Alabama Christian’s (3-5) game against Greenville would even be played on Tuesday afternoon. Fortunately, the rain held off enough to let the contest go on and the Eagles came away with a convincing 10-1 win over an over matched Greenville squad. For the second game in a row the starting pitching was excellent as Mac Moorer followed Landon Nelson’s example from Monday and pitched a gem of his own. The junior right-hander pitched a complete game four-hitter and allowed just one run with six strikeouts.

ACA scored in each of the first three innings to build a commanding 8-0 cushion. After Moorer set down the first three Tiger batters on just eight pitches, the Eagles scored two in the bottom half. Landon Nelson singled to right to drive in Moorer and later scored on a throwing error for a 2-0 lead. In the second, Cam Sutton and Zander Costanza both singled followed by a Bryson Dabney walk to load the bases with no outs. Sutton scored on a wild pitch and Costanza and Dabney both scored on a Jackson McGuire single to left for a 5-0 advantage. Later in the frame ACA scored two more runs on consecutive passed balls to build a seven run lead. In the third, Sutton scored on a throwing error as Greenville tried to turn two.

Meanwhile, Mac Moorer continued to dazzle and had not allowed a hit through three innings. Greenville hit back to back doubles down the third base line to start the fourth, but Moorer rebounded and retired the next three hitters to keep the damage to one run. Alabama Christian scored its last two runs of the night in the sixth. Landon Nelson doubled down the left field line to score Moorer and with two outs Sam Schoeteker walked and scored on a Grant Cornette single for a 10-1 lead. Moorer closed the door in the seventh for ACA’s second win in a row.

Landon Nelson finished the night going 2 for 3 with a double and two runs driven in. Cam Sutton also went 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Jackson McGuire had two RBI’s while Mac Moorer scored two runs.

The Eagles will continue play in the Armstrong Tournament on Thursday at Paterson Field against Pike Road.

Alabama Christian Shuts Out Beulah

After dropping a game at Beulah a little over a week ago, ACA (2-5) blanked the visitors 7-0 on Monday night behind the right arm of Landon Nelson. The senior took the mound and dominated the Bobcat lineup as he struck out a career high 13 batters over five innings while giving up just one hit. Nelson set the tone early as he struck out the side in the first on just eleven pitches.

Neither team scored through the first two innings, but the Eagles touched home four times in the third to give their pitcher all the runs he would need. After Mac Moorer and Jackson McGuire opened the frame with singles, Landon Nelson drove in the first run of the night with a double down the left field line. Jackson Burton followed with an RBI on a fielder’s choice and Cam Sutton drove in the last two on a pop up single to shallow left that the Beulah shortstop could not catch. Nelson again struck out the side in the fourth to make sure the Bobcats didn’t have any thoughts of a comeback. Although his control was not as sharp in the fifth, he finished the night with his 13th punch out of the night.

In the final innings, ACA looked to pad the four run lead for some insurance. In the fifth, ACA looked poised for a big inning as Bryson Dabney coaxed a one-out bases loaded walk to extend the lead to 5-0 and turn it over to the top of the lineup. Unfortunately, the rally was halted as a jog down the first base line aided an inning ending double play. Cam Sutton relieved Nelson and set the Bobcats down 1-2-3 in the sixth. In the home half, ACA scored twice more on a Grant Cornette ground out and a Teilan Long double. In the seventh, Beulah’s lead off hitter reached base, but was erased on a beautiful around the horn double play. The last hitter popped up and the game belonged to Alabama Christian.

Jackson McGuire led the hit parade with a 3 for 3 night with a walk. Zander Costanza finished 2 for 3 with a walk as five other batters each had one hit. Cam Sutton’s two RBIs were the most on the team while Grant Cornette and Jackson Burton each scored two runs for team high honors. Landon Nelson and Teilan Long had the team’s extra base hits as both hit doubles.

If the rain holds off, ACA is scheduled to participate in the Jason Armstrong Tournament on Tuesday against Greenville at Riverwalk.

ACA Loses to Elmore County in Error Filled Game

Like the baseball team the day before, the softball team committed nine errors in a 5-8 loss to Elmore County. ACA led 5-1 after four innings, but six miscues over the final three innings doomed the fate of the home team.

ACA gave up a run in the first, but a bases loaded two-out double from Izzy Warrick in the second gave the Eagles a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, the home team scored three more times thanks to a Lily Sconyers single and a two-run error by Elmore County. The ACA defense fell apart in the fifth with four errors which allowed the Panthers to tie the score, 5-5. Over the final two innings, Elmore County managed to score three runs, one in the sixth and two in the seventh, but the Alabama Chrsitian offense managed only a single hit from Warrick.

Warrick collected three of the team’s five hits and pitched a complete game with 12 strikeouts. The junior also drove in two runs and stole a base. Anna Gleason and Lily Sconyers had the other two hits for the offense.

The Lady Eagles next contest is against Brew Tech at home on Thursday, February 29.

Eagles Drop Decision to Trinity

Alabama Christian (1-5) hung tough for 5 1/2 innings, but eventually lost at Trinity, 3-8. ACA trailed by one run as the Wildcats came to bat in the sixth, but gave up four runs in the frame for the final tally. Jackson McGuire’s five innings was the most any starter has thrown this season and gave his team a chance to win with his effort.

The Wildcats scored two in the second to open the scoring and the score remained 2-0 through four innings. in the fifth, ACA pushed across its first run of the day. With one out, Bryson Dabney walked followed by a Mac Moorer single to put two runners on. Jackson McGuire doubled to right to score Dabney and set up the offense with runners on second and third with just one out. At a minimum, the thought was to at least tie the game, but the next two batters popped out on the infield to kill the rally.

Trinity scored two in the fifth to stretch the lead to 4-1, but the Eagles immediately responded with two runs of their own to bring the deficit back to one run. After walks to Teilan Long and Bryant Swindle, Bryson Dabney delivered a two-out double that scored Long and put runners at second and third. Up next, Mac Moorer walked to load the bases which brought up Jackson McGuire. On a 2-1 count, McGuire singled to right which scored Swindle, but Dabney was held at third. Unfortunately, it looked as if Moorer assumed Dabney would be sent and was caught in a rundown for the third out of the inning. Moorer then came in to relieve McGuire, but after striking the first two batters out was unable to record another out. Trinity scored four times in the inning to extend the lead to 8-3. Landon Nelson led the seventh off with a double to try and mount a comeback, but the next three batters were retired to end the game.

Jackson McGuire, who has arguably been the team’s best player over the first six games, led the offense with two hits in three at-bats including a double and two RBIs. Although the junior picked up the loss on the mound he pitched well over five innings with five strikeouts. Bryson Dabney, Mac Moorer, and Landon Nelson contributed the other three hits for the offense on the day.

Alabama Christian will host Percy Julian, formerly known as Lee, on Friday for their next game.

ACA Defense Falters in Loss at Reeltown

A championship caliber team would have great difficulty winning a game overcoming nine errors. So, you can imagine the strain that would put on a young team still searching for its identity. ACA (1-4) was not able to overcome the miscues in a 4-9 loss at Reeltown. Cam Sutton pitched a good game, as he got the start, but holding the Rebel offense down with six errors behind him was asking too much of the sophomore. Teilan Long and Alex Heilman both made their varsity debuts in the game and made contributions.

Neither team scored in the first, but after a Teilan Long double to center, Sam Schoeteker’s sac fly drove in the first run of the contest. Cam Sutton faced just three Reeltown batters in the second thanks to a Cornette to Nelson to Heilman double play. In the third inning, ACA tacked on two more runs as Bryson Dabney and Grant Cornette hit back to back singles with one out. After a passed ball moved both runners up a base, Jackson Mcguire kept the inning going with a two-run single to right for a 3-0 lead. Sutton retired the first two batters in the home half of the inning, but an infield error that would have ended the inning seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the Eagles. After the error, Reeltown scored twice to cut the lead to 3-2 after three.

ACA committed four errors in the fourth as the game started to get away from the visitors. Reeltown scored four times on just one hit to lead 6-3 after four. In the fifth and sixth frames, the rebels scored three more times for a 9-3 cushion. Jackson McGuire drove in a run in the seventh for the final margin of 4-9.

Jackson McGuire led the offense as he went 3 for 3 with three RBIs. Grant Cornette, Teilan Long, and Bryson Dabney delivered the other three hits for the team. Cam Sutton pitched four innings to start and gave up just one earned run while Grant Cornette pitched the final two innings without giving up an earned run. In an oddity for high school baseball, the two ACA pitchers did not walk or strike out a single batter.

ACA has an early 2:30 start at Trinity on Tuesday next time out.

Eagles Lose First Road Game at PCA

ACA (0-1-1) traveled to Prattville to take on a very good PCA program. Although the bats never came alive, the Eagles kept it close in a 0-5 loss. Maddie Traywick started in the circle for Alabama Christian and struck out four Panthers, with no walks, in a complete game effort. ACA managed just three base runners in the game with only one hit. ACA only trailed 0-2 going to the bottom of the fifth, but PCA scored three runs in their last two at-bats to stretch the lead to five runs.

Izzy Warrick recorded the team’s only hit while Lily Sconyers walked and Maddie Traywick was hit by a pitch.

The Eagles host Elmore County on Tuesday in their next action.

ACA Opens Season Against Stanhope Elmore

It’s not often a softball game ends in a tie, but that is exactly what happened in Alabama Christian’s (0-0-1) season opener against Stanhope Elmore. ACA scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to tie the score 7-7 and the game was called due to darkness.

Izzy Warrick scored the season’s first run in the opening inning. After a walk, the junior advanced to third on two wild pitches and broke for home on a bad throw between catcher and pitcher. To top it off, she struck out the side in the following half inning. Stanhope did score twice in the third to take a 2-1 lead. In the fourth, ACA seesawed back into the lead with two runs. Warrick and Elizabeth Hall scored on consecutive ground outs to retake the lead. In the fifth, the visitors tied the game, 3-3.

In the sixth, ACA broke through with three runs for a seemingly safe 6-3 lead. Elizabeth Hall drove in Izzy Warrick on a single to right to take the lead and two Stanhope errors tacked on tow more runs to stretch the lead to three. A three-run homer in the top of the seventh from the visitors catapulted the Mustangs back into the lead. Campbell Hammett led off the last inning by reaching on an infield error. With one out, she stole second and third and scored on a wild pitch with two outs to tie it up. It was decided not to play extra innings due to darkness.

Elizabeth Hall led the offense going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Annabelle Pugh and Maddie Traywick had the other two hits in the game. Izzy Warrick reached base three times and scored three runs while Anna Gleason drove in two runs. Warrick went the distance in the circle with eight strikeouts.

Alabama Christian Loses at Home Against Tallassee

ACA (1-2) hosted Tallassee on Thursday night and fell to the visiting Tigers, 1-7. Tallassee scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back in the easy victory. Starting pitcher Landon Nelson began the game with a strikeout, but five of the next six batters reached safely to build a three run lead. Mac Moorer and Grant Cornette led off the Eagles half with back to back singles and Nelson drove in a run with an infield ground out, but the offense couldn’t push anyone else across. The offense had three base runners in the first, but only five more would reach base over the next six frames.

Tallassee scored two in the second and two more in the fourth to open a 7-1 cushion. Grant Cornette stayed hot in the third with his second hit of the night, but was erased on an inning ending double play. Cam Sutton made his pitching debut in relief and pitched the final four innings for the Eagles.

Grant Cornette had half of the team’s hits as he finished 2 for 3 on the night. Mac Moorer and Conner Foucault had the other two hits as Moorer scored the only run of the night. Landon Nelson (4) and Cam Sutton (6) combined to strike out ten Tigers in the game.

Alabama Christian hits the road on Friday as they travel to Beulah for their next game.