Although the West Marion Trojans couldn’t quite slay their past demons last week, they still have a lot on the line and several more opportunities as the stretch run of the season gets underway.
The Trojans (14-5, 4-1) hosted Seminary March 27 in a rematch of the 2017 South State Championship but couldn’t put together enough timely hits to get to the Bulldogs, falling 6-0.
West Marion mustered just four hits, and none went for extra bases. Randy Ramos had a pair of singles, while Clay Blocker and Jayden Duncan each had one.
“Seminary had a really good arm that kept us off balance, and we didn’t put it in play enough. When we did we hit it right at somebody,” head coach Derrick Jerkins said. “(Shelby) Terrell pitched pretty well, but we have to be able to score some runs. We have to be more consistent with the bats. We’d strike out once or twice an inning then hit a ball hard but not get anything done.”
Jerkins added the Trojans tried to be more aggressive on the base paths to generate offense, but Seminary not only did a good job of keeping runners close but keeping them off the bases altogether. The Trojans struggle with trying to do too much at plate, which is a facet they have been working on according to Jerkins.
“We just need to keep the line moving instead of flying out to the outfield or striking out trying to do too much,” he said.
Terrell did his part on the mound, but two errors cost the Trojans. He tossed six innings, allowing five runs, two earned, on five hits and one walk while striking out nine.
West Marion was scheduled to play Seminary on the road March 29, but it was rained out and rescheduled for April 16.
“I wish we would have played last week because I think the arm we were going to throw Thursday night would have matched up better with their No. 2,” Jerkins said.
The Trojans bounced back Monday, though, cruising to a 14-0 home victory over Tylertown that was buoyed by an eight-run third. Trace McNabb legged out a double and a triple to drive in five runs to set the tone for the West Marion offense. Blocker (2 RBI), Josh Boone (RBI), Cyrus Thompson (RBI) and Terrell each had two hits, while Dalton Raynes drove in a pair. Ramos went the distance in the four-inning, run-rule shortened game, allowing just two base runners and striking out four.
The Trojans played two of their biggest games of the season against Columbia Tuesday and Wednesday, but results were unavailable at press time. Before play began Tuesday Jerkins said he was hoping to get a sweep of the Wildcats and have that momentum carry over into the rematch with Seminary.
“If we go out and sweep Columbia, maybe that plays to our advantage. If we get swept by Columbia, obviously it would be to our disadvantage. Winning that first opportunity at home (Tuesday) would definitely set the tone,” he said. “Columbia has had our number the past few years.”
The two-game series will prove crucial in deciding the Region 8 champion, so The Columbian-Progress will provide extensive coverage in the Saturday edition.
Following the Columbia series, the Trojans will host Jefferson Davis County Tuesday night at 6:30 and face the Jaguars in Bassfield Friday night at 6:30.
Pictured Above: West Marion players celebrate getting a crucial out to stop the threat of a big inning against Seminary. | Photo by Mark Rogers
