Callaway earns first win of the season in dramatic walk-off against Troup

Published 7:52 pm Wednesday, February 21, 2024

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Callaway baseball got its first win of the season in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, beating crosstown rivals Troup 3-2.

It was the Tigers who got off to the better start though. It took no time for Troup to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Carson Walker hit a one-run single followed by Courtney Wilson hitting an RBI single himself. 

That would be all the damage the Tigers could do as Bruce Hubbard took command from there. Callaway’s senior starting pitcher dominated the next five innings, not allowing another run on the board. In total, Hubbard pitched six strong innings while striking out eight and only allowing five hits.

The Callaway bats were also held mostly in check but came through in the most pivotal moments.

The Cavaliers got on the board in the bottom of the second when an error allowed Julian Dukes to reach home and halve the deficit.

Both teams had their chances to add more runs to their tally but failed to do so until the seventh and final inning.

Trailing 2-1 and staring down the barrel of an 0-3 start, the Cavaliers responded.

Brantin Swanson walked with one out in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game. With two outs and the winning run on third base, the pressure began to mount. It proved too much for the Tigers as a passed ball scored Wesley Williams to give the Cavaliers a much-needed win.

Demetrius Hardnett was superb on the mound for Troup in his 6 ⅓ innings of work. He struck out six while allowing just two hits and not a single earned run. Jake Perry saw action on the mound in the bottom of the seventh for the Tigers.

The only two hits in the game for the Cavaliers came from Blake Harrington and Hubbard.

Wilson led the offensive charge for Troup with two hits. 

Ethan Goff, Chase Mosely and Walker all had a hit each for the Tigers. 

Troup (2-3) will travel to take on Valley (AL) on Thursday. Callaway (1-2) will host Columbia for a doubleheader in the team’s region opener on Thursday.