Fielding miscues doom Bulldogs in loss to Rains

Posted 12/31/69

An error-filled third inning undid the Quitman Bulldogs in a 10-1 loss to the Rains Wildcats March 26. Four fielding and throwing errors resulted in a five-run inning for the home team and set Rains …

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Fielding miscues doom Bulldogs in loss to Rains

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An error-filled third inning undid the Quitman Bulldogs in a 10-1 loss to the Rains Wildcats March 26. Four fielding and throwing errors resulted in a five-run inning for the home team and set Rains on the glide path for a win.

Designated hitter Caleb Hamby stroked a single into dead center field to get the Bulldogs started in the first. Ben Burroughs followed with a single to left center. The Bulldogs were threatening. Hamby was forced at third on a grounder off the bat of Trey Berry, and Rains starter Brandon Bacon got Ty Holland on a swinging strikeout to end the threat.

Burroughs, who went the distance for Quitman, set the Wildcats down in order in the first. Quitman put two men on base again in the second. Hayden Cook beat out a grounder to deep short for an infield hit. Wyatt McClanahan reached on a fielder’s choice as the Wildcat catcher fielded his bunt and threw to second base. The throw sailed into center field. Cook was forced at third on an unassisted play by the Rains’ third baseman. Quitman stranded McClanahan. The rally stalled.

The Bulldogs handed the Wildcats runs in the third as Quitman’s defensive errors mounted. Rains generated only one base hit but tallied five runs. Mason Reynolds made a difficult catch in foul territory to help get out of the inning.

After a brief motivational moment by Quitman Head Coach Jimmy Smith, the Bulldogs came to the plate focused.

Ty Holland opened the fourth with an infield single and advanced to second on a Rains’ error. Hayden Cook reached on a fielders’ choice, and Quitman had two men on. Holland scored on a fielder’s choice when Rains turned a 1-6-3 double play. Brayden Miller flied out to end the Bulldog rally.

The visitors could generate no more runs on the night. Quitman put two men on in the fifth and one in the sixth but could not sustain any run-scoring.

Rains starter Bacon pitched an excellent game. His location and pitch selection were outstanding. He had the Bulldogs off balance all night. Great action on his breaking pitches and a sneaky-fast fastball kept the Bulldog batters at bay.

Rains added one run in the fifth and three in the sixth, to seal the 10-1 win.

Burroughs’ pitching line would look much different had it not been for Quitman’s defensive shortcomings. He yielded only one walk and threw a solid game.