West Alabama falls in final game of World Series

For two innings, it looked like West Alabama might even their World Series record at 2-2, but a three run fourth inning by the Chandler, AZ team (the Hamilton Huskies) changed that. West Alabama watched a 3-0 lead turn into a 3-3 tie, then Chandler added the game winner on a wild pitch for the 4-3 final.

West Alabama held the Huskies scoreless in the top of the first. Jesse Marshsall reached first base after a dropped third strike. Ryan Bumgarner grounded into a fielder’s choice that forced Marshall out at second, putting Bumgarner at first. Bumgarner stole second and Parker Phillips drew a walk to reach first. After a strikeout, Bumgarner advanced to third on a pickoff attempt to first. The Huskies tried to catch Phillips taking second, but the erroneous throw to second allowed Bumgarner to score the first run of the night. Phillips was later thrown out attempting to take third on a ball dropped by the catcher, to end the inning.

After a three up, three down in the top of the second, West Alabama tacked more runs on the board in the bottom half. Kevin McElroy walked to start things off. After a pop up to first, Whit Jockisch was hit by a pitch, which sent McElroy to second. McElroy advanced to third and Jockisch to second on an error by the pitcher. McElroy scored on a passed ball and Jockisch advanced to third. Jockisch scored on an infield single by Montgomery Freeman. A strikeout and fly out ended the scoring in the second, with West Alabama leading 3-0.

Neither team could produce any runs in the third inning. In the top of the fourth, the Huskies would have a tie the game at 3-3 on a single, a hit batter, and a walk, which was followed by a double that would bring in three runs.

The Huskies would get the winning run in the top of the seventh on a wild pitch. West Alabama couldn’t get any runs across the plate in the bottom half and the Hamilton Huskies took the win.

Phillips, McElroy, Freeman and Kendrick Jenkins tallied one hit each for West Alabama. Phillips and McElroy each drew one walk. Bumgarner, McElroy and Jockisch score the three runs for West Alabama.

A single elimination tournament begins tomorrow afternoon at the Demopolis SportsPlex to determine the winner of the 2019 Babe Ruth 14U World Series.