Fresh off of a 4-3 victory at home in Game 2 to force a rubber match, West Marion travels to Meridian Monday to take on Southeast Lauderdale with a trip to the Class 3A state championship on the line.
The Trojans dropped the first meeting of the South State Championship series at Southeast Lauderdale Friday, falling 1-0 in 10 innings after a brilliant pitchers duel. Kolby Stringer dominated the Tigers by striking out 12 across eight innings with only four walks and four hits allowed, but Southeast Lauderdale’s Stephen Eakes was equally great – striking out 10 Trojans with no walks and five hits allowed across eight innings. West Marion was unable to scratch a run against Jacob Hostetler in the ninth and tenth innings, while the Tigers ended Game 1 on a walk-off RBI single by Hostetler against Nik Carney in the 10th inning.
A four-run third inning propelled the Trojans (27-9) to a Game 2 victory Saturday, as an error put in play by Jonathon Miller tied the game 1-1 before Carney belted a bases-clearing three-run double to the right-center field wall to give West Marion a 4-1 lead. Pitchers Trace McDonald and Carney both stranded a pair of Tigers on base in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively, to clinch a 4-3 triumph by West Marion.
McDonald allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts across six innings, while the only baserunner allowed by Carney reached via error.
Stringer and McDonald will be unavailable on the mound for the Trojans Monday night, and, while a starting pitcher hasn’t been named, all signs point to senior Jude Stringer getting the nod for the Trojans. Carney may make an appearance as well, and Jacob Buffalo and Kemarieon Akins may also play a factor in the deciding Game 3.
First pitch from Meridian between West Marion and Southeast Lauderdale is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.
