By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Glencoe used two big innings and sound pitching from Jeff Ford to capture a 7-3 victory over cross-county rival Hokes Bluff in high school baseball on Wednesday.
In four solid innings in relief of starter Dalton Reid, Ford scattered five hits and gave up two runs. He struck out one while surrendering walk.
“Jeff pitched well in a big rivalry game,” said Glencoe head coach Charlie Robertson. “It never gets old beating Hokes Bluff and my brother Mike. This was a big win before we get in area play.”
Glencoe (5-2) loaded the bases in the top of the first inning off Hokes Bluff starter Tanner Shields before an inning-ending double play squashed the threat.
In the bottom of the first, leadoff batter Brad Robertson hit a home run to right field to plate the game’s first run.
The score stood at 1-0 until the top of the third, Glencoe exploded for four runs.
Dalton Roberts led off the inning with a single, followed by Houston Word reaching on an error. Daniel Otwell singled to load the bases, and Will Parker followed with a three-run double. Parker scored the fourth run of the inning on a wild pitch.
In the top of the fourth, Roberts doubled and Word reached on a fielder’s choice. Otwell followed with a towering home run to right-center and a 7-1 lead.
The Eagles (6-2) managed to dent the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth inning. Robertson and Chase Beggs each singled and were driven home by a Braden Hawk base hit for a 7-3 advantage.
Glencoe hit the ball early on and made us pay,” said Hokes Bluff head coach Mike Robertson. “Give Glencoe the credit; they put together the big hits in two innings. We do get to play them again. We got ‘em last year, [today] it was just their time.”