Citizens Bank Invitational Tournament
Good fortune leads to tournament championship
By: TROUP BRINSON
The Citizens Bank Invitational Tournament took place last weekend with Swainsboro, E.C.I., Screven County, and Statesboro competing for the coveted early season title. The game of the day was undoubtedly the opening game between Swainsboro and Statesboro. The Tigers were down 5-0 early but set themselves up for a big inning in the bottom of the 5th. With two runs already in and the bases loaded and one out, number three hitter Luke Kennedy stepped to the plate with a chance to turn the game around. However, a base running blunder cost the Tigers an out as the runner at third was picked off. Kennedy worked the count to 2-0 before chasing three consecutive off speed pitches and grounding out to first to end the threat.
Statesboro tacked on three more runs and enjoyed an 8-2 lead with three outs to go to secure a spot in the championship game. Maybe a bit too relaxed, Statesboro appeared to turn the “switch†off. The Tigers took full advantage. Swainsboro batted around and pulled to within 8-7 with the bases loaded and none out. Two Tigers watched strike three and the tying run was still on third with two outs. Josh Bowen stepped to the plate with a chance to be a hero…and was, albeit with a helping hand from the opposing defense. With two strikes, Bowen lofted a pop fly down the first base line. The Blue Devil first baseman appeared to be camped under it, but was called off by the second baseman. The decision proved a costly misstep as the miscommunication allowed the ball to safely drop on the infield and two Tigers to score for the victory, 9-8.
Cody McCumbers and Brian Hackle collected two hits apiece and Kennedy drove in two runs for the Tigers. Kyle Williams picked up the win in relief.
E.C.I. knocked off the Screven County Gamecocks to set up an exciting inter-county showdown for the title.
The Bulldogs scored first with a run in the opening frame but the Tigers answered with three in the bottom half and never looked back. Swainsboro carried an 11-2 lead into the 7th inning before starting pitcher Justin Hodges began to wear down. Wade Ellington was brought in to record the final out and the Tigers claimed an 11-6 victory and a Tournament championship.
Hackle led all Tigers with three hits and Williams added four runs batted in.
Swainsboro will host Dublin and South Effingham on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Game time is 5:30 p.m. This weekend the Tigers will travel to Vidalia and play Toombs County at 10 a.m. as part of Vidalia’s Diamond Day.
Statesboro tacked on three more runs and enjoyed an 8-2 lead with three outs to go to secure a spot in the championship game. Maybe a bit too relaxed, Statesboro appeared to turn the “switch†off. The Tigers took full advantage. Swainsboro batted around and pulled to within 8-7 with the bases loaded and none out. Two Tigers watched strike three and the tying run was still on third with two outs. Josh Bowen stepped to the plate with a chance to be a hero…and was, albeit with a helping hand from the opposing defense. With two strikes, Bowen lofted a pop fly down the first base line. The Blue Devil first baseman appeared to be camped under it, but was called off by the second baseman. The decision proved a costly misstep as the miscommunication allowed the ball to safely drop on the infield and two Tigers to score for the victory, 9-8.
Cody McCumbers and Brian Hackle collected two hits apiece and Kennedy drove in two runs for the Tigers. Kyle Williams picked up the win in relief.
E.C.I. knocked off the Screven County Gamecocks to set up an exciting inter-county showdown for the title.
The Bulldogs scored first with a run in the opening frame but the Tigers answered with three in the bottom half and never looked back. Swainsboro carried an 11-2 lead into the 7th inning before starting pitcher Justin Hodges began to wear down. Wade Ellington was brought in to record the final out and the Tigers claimed an 11-6 victory and a Tournament championship.
Hackle led all Tigers with three hits and Williams added four runs batted in.
Swainsboro will host Dublin and South Effingham on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Game time is 5:30 p.m. This weekend the Tigers will travel to Vidalia and play Toombs County at 10 a.m. as part of Vidalia’s Diamond Day.
