Demopolis scores pair in sixth to get first win
Demopolis (1-2) blew an early lead and overcame a late deficit to beat Dallas County 7-6 for its first win of the year Saturday.
“I think it’s pretty big because that is not something we have to worry about. It’s over with now. We can play ball,” Demopolis coach James Moody said of his team snagging its first win after an 0-2 week that saw it lose road games to Sweet Water and American Christian Academy.
The Tigers found themselves trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Matt Eicher drew a walk ahead of a Tyler Oates single. An error by the Dallas County centerfielder on the Oates single advanced both runners 90 feet.
Stephen Stewart ripped a fly ball to center to allow Eicher to score just ahead of the throw home. With the game tied at 5, Wil Stephens laced a single through the left side, scoring Oates from second for the eventual winning run.
“There’s something to be said for that,” Moody said of the way his team responded after falling behind late in the game. “They found a way to piece a few hits together. That’s obviously a sign of a team that has something a little different. I like to see that. I like to see that they don’t mind going to the plate behind late in the game and (having to) compete a little bit.”
Dallas County had previously taken the lead with a four-run frame in the top half of the sixth. Cole Robertson walked and stole second before ultimately scoring on a Prince Tolbert bases-loaded walk. Gale Denson walked and later scored on Bruce Tolbert grounder.
Willie Lofton legged out an infield single and scored the tying run on a Delando Atchison fielder’s choice. Dallas County took the lead when Bruce Tolbert, who reached on an error, scored on an errant throw that would have wrapped up a 3-2-3 double play.
“I think we’re working. I think they’re trying to do the things we’re asking them to do,” Moody said. “Our ability to focus is an issue over the course of a seven-inning game. That is somewhat youth, somewhat inexperience, but that is probably what we’re hammering on everyday and it bit us today. We went through that lull in the fourth and fifth defensively and on the mound. Time and playing will take some of that.”
Dallas County grabbed a quick lead when Prince Tolbert singled to lead off the game, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a passed ball.
Demopolis opened its scoring in the first inning with a three-run frame. Seth Aiken led off with a single and scored on a RBI grounder by Oates. Michael Brooker reached on an error and scored on a RBI grounder by Stewart.
Eicher reached on a bunt single and scored on a RBI infield hit by John Anthony Morrison.
Demopolis added two runs in the second inning. Aiken reached on an infield hit before Brooker singled and stole second. Oates followed with a two-run single to stake Demopolis to a 5-1 lead.
Dallas County got its second run in the fourth inning when Hunter Hale reached on an infield hit and stole second ahead of a Prince Tolbert double.
Eicher (1-0) picked up the win, working an inning and two-thirds while allowing one hit, no walks and one unearned run. He struck out two batters.
Demopolis is scheduled to play again Saturday night at 5:30 p.m.