Scott Brown's SportsBytes on WKDZ

Christian County looking for new baseball coach

With just a month to go before the start of the 2013 high school baseball season, Christian County is looking for a new baseball coach.

The school confirmed through an e-mail statement that Blake Leach will not return as head coach for the 2013 season.

"It has been brought to my attention that CCHS will be taking a new direction for this year's baseball team and Mr. Blake Leech will continue to serve in his capacity as a teacher at CCHS. As we near baseball season, I will work with CCHS Athletic Director Steve Lovelace and Principal Michael Stevenson to keep you informed of who will be selected to coach the CCHS baseball team," Christian County Public Schools Communications Director Heather Aubin said in an e-mail statement.

Leach was 80-66 in four seasons as Colonel head coach, including a district title in his first season as head coach in 2009.  The past three seasons, Christian County has lost to Hopkinsville in the district title game and not advanced past the first round of the region tournament.

Christian County was 19-20 last year and lost to Henderson County in the first round of the region tournament.

The statement from the school did not say who would be serving as interim coach until a new baseball coach is officially named.

Christian County is scheduled to open their season March 8th against Webster County.

 

Second Region Baseball Tournament starts on Memorial Day

Webster County will play host to the 2012 Second Region Baseball Tournament that gets underway Memorial Day morning.  Union County is the defending region champ and will look to become the first school to repeat since Christian County won three straight in 2004-06.

(10:00 am) - Henderson County (23-13) vs. Christian County (19-19) -- These schools have combined to win six of the last eight region titles and have met in the title game four times in the last seven years.  The last time they met in the first round was 2003.  The southern Colonels have won eight of their last 10 games but lost two games to the northern Colonels.  Henderson beat Christian County 16-1 on St. Patrick's Day and 7-2 on May 10th.  Last year, Christian County dropped a first round game for the first time in eight years.  Henderson County hasn't lost a first round game since 2004.  The northern Colonels are one of three teams in the region tourney with over 20 wins. 

(1:00 pm) -- Madisonville (17-13) vs. Crittenden County (13-21) -- No team in the Fifth District had a winning record this year as Crittenden County advances into the region tourney as a district champ with 21 losses.  The teams did not play during the regular season as Crittenden County was 10-12 against teams in the region, while Madisonville was 12-7.  The Maroons saw their 15-year district title streak end last week to Caldwell County and will be looking to advance to the region title game for the first time since 2003.  Crittenden County last won a first round game in 2009.

(4:00 pm) -- Hopkinsville (17-14) vs. Union County (27-10) -- Hopkinsville's reward for winning the Eighth District?  A game with Union County in a rematch of last year's region title game won 2-1 by the Braves.  Union County has the most wins of any region team but lost to Henderson County 6-0 in the Sixth District title game last week.  The teams met once during the season, with Union County winning 12-2 on April 27th.  Hopkinsville has won five of their last six first round games, while Union snapped a five-game losing streak in first round games last year. 

(7:00 pm) -- Caldwell County (22-15) vs. LIvingston Central (12-21) -- Caldwell County got perhaps the best first round draw as they will play a LIvingston Central team they beat 12-2 and 11-1 during the season.  The Tigers reached the 20-win mark for the first time in a decade and snapped Madisonville's run atop the Seventh District.  Caldwell, however, hasn't advanced past the first round since 2005.  Livingston Central on the other hand is making their first appearance in the region tournament in six years.  Their last win came in 2003. 

 

Hoptown Hoppers unveil new logo

The Hoptown Hoppers unveiled the logo for their baseball team that begins play this June in the Ohio Valley League.

The Hoppers were a Class D minor league baseball team in Hopkinsville in the early 1900s.  The name will be used for their new venture into the summer collegiate baseball league this year.

The Hoppers open their season June 1 and will play their home opener at Christian County Colonel's Field on June 6.

Carter Hendricks, Christian County Chamber of Commerce CEO, was a guest on the Saturday Morning Sports Report and gave an update of the Hoppers, including season ticket information, how to sponsor the team, and personnel moves.

Interview with Carter Hendricks

 

Trigg County rallies late to beat UHA 3-1

Hunter Allen’s RBI single in the 7^th tied it and RBI singles by Corben Estes and Zac Snodgrass in the eighth inning won it for Trigg County as they claimed a 3-1 win at University Heights Academy Tuesday.

Zack Bridges pitched a complete game for the Wildcats, who improved to 4-6 with the win. 

Freshman Jacob Stevens pitched near scoreless baseball for seven innings for the Blazers (0-7).

Trigg County will host Todd County Central Thursday, while UHA will travel to Henderson County also on Thursday.

I hereby resign as a Chicago Cubs fan

I can tell you the exact day I became a fan of the Chicago Cubs.

My pee wee baseball team was the Cubs.  My coaches were Kenneth Lancaster and Robert Allen.  Our team wasn't that good but we were fun to watch.  I guess that's called foreshadowing.

It was April 19, 1980.  Cable TV had come to Cadiz in the year prior and WGN was beaming Cubs games over the airwaves.  I watched a guy named Dave Kingman launched two home runs onto Waveland Avenue and this Cubs team beat the New York Mets 12-9. 

The Cubs played mostly day games, which gave me something to watch on TV during the summer.  The golden voice of Jack Brickhouse brought the action alive.  Vince Lloyd and Lou Boudreau helped him out.  Milo Hamilton came over the middle innings while Jack went over to the radio booth.

The more I watched, the more I liked. 

That isn't the case anymore.  I hereby submit my resignation as a Cubs fan.  They have sucked the baseball life out of me.  It's to the point where I don't even watch baseball anymore.  After 31 years as a Cubs fan, baseball is no longer fun to watch.  I haven't watched more than four innings of a Cubs game this year.  That's probably four innings too many for this team.

I've endured the many embarrassments of this franchise during those 31 years.  From Sosa's cork to Bartman to letting future Hall of Famers get away to playing in a stadium that should have been imploded years ago to the drunk ramblings of Harry Caray.  I will endure no more.  I refuse to support a sports franchise who doesn't understand the concept of winning -- from the players to the GM. 

The bad trades are many.  The horrific free agent signings are too many to count.  But not near as many as the excuses for not winning.  The goat. The black cat.  Steve Garvey.  Leon Durham.  Will Clark.  Bartman again.  Playing day games at home.  Blah blah blah blah. 

I've had enough.  I'd rather stick toothpicks under my toenails and kick the wall rather than watch this team play.

I can only support a losing team for so long.  I'm done.  I'm doing exactly what this franchise is doing now.  Quitting.

And no, I'm not jumping ship to become a fan of the Cardinals.  Or Reds.  Or Braves.   My Major League Baseball pulse is fading to the point of a Code Blue.  Don't get me wrong.  I still enjoy watching or coaching a youth league baseball game where the parents don't complain (almost as rare as a Cubs World Series appearance).  I'll play wiffle ball in the backyard.  I'll still watch college baseball.  And I still envision a few trips to the minor league ballparks in the region. 

I'm just done as a major league baseball fan because of my prison sentence as a Cubs fan.  And that's why I'm no longer a Cubs fan.

Sincerely,

Scott Brown

 

 

Jackie Sholar to step down as Trigg County baseball coach

Trigg County baseball coach Jackie Sholar says he will step down as head coach after five seasons.

Sholar told the team of his decision following their 15-5 loss to Union County in the Second Region Baseball Tournament semifinals.

The Wildcats were 25-8 in the 2011 season, with the 25 wins thought to be a school record.

In five seasons as head coach, Sholar was 89-74.  His teams won two district titles and were district runner-ups two other times.

As a player at TCHS, Sholar played on the 1979 Wildcat team that won the district title.

Sholar says he will step down as baseball coach

 

Trigg County falls to Union County 15-5 in region semifinals

Union County used two big innings and a shrinking strike zone to beat Trigg County 15-5 in the semifinals of the Second Region Baseball Tournament at Christian County.

Trigg took a 2-1 lead in the second inning before Union County exploded for six runs to lead 7-2.  Trigg countered with three runs in the fifth inning to cut the lead to 7-5.

However, the Braves scored eight runs off three different pitchers in the fifth inning to claim the win via the mercy rule.

Zac Snodgrass and Hunter Allen had RBI doubles, and Jared Stallons had a two-run double.  R.J. Sholar added two singles and an RBI.

Aaron Hedgepath, the region player of the year, slammed a home run, and Blake Alvey added two hits and two RBIs for Union County, who improved to 24-9.

Trigg County's season ends with a record of 25-8.  The 25 wins is thought to be a school record.

Union County will go for the school's first-ever region title when they play Hopkinsville tonight at 7:30pm.  Hoptown beat Henderson County 7-3 behind two hits from Josh Drake and Jared Perry, and Hutton White added a 3-run triple. The two teams didn't play during the 2011 season.

 

Trigg/Glasgow All-A game postponed to Saturday

Trigg County's All-A Classic sectional game with Glasgow will resume Saturday at 1pm at the Complex, weather permitting of course. 

Two Glasgow batters hit before thunderstorms hit Saturday.  The result was a home run and a ground out. 

Workers groomed the field all morning and early afternoon to get the game in by Saturday afternoon.

Wildcat head coach Jackie Sholar said the game will resume with one out in the top of the first and Glasgow leading 1-0.

The winner advances to the state tournament May 7-8 in Lexington.

 

Trigg All-A game set for Saturday

Trigg County will play Glasgow Saturday at 1pm at the Complex in a first round All-A Classic State Tournament baseball game.

The Wildcats won their first-ever All-A region title last week, while Glasgow beat Monroe County 9-2 to win the Fourth Region title.  The Scotties enter play this week with a 7-4 record.

The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the All-A Classic State Tournament May 7-8 at Whitaker Bank Park in Lexington.  They will play either Sixth Region champion DeSales or the Eighth Region champ.  That title game will pit Trimble County against Carroll County.

Wildcat baseball coach Jackie Sholar talks All-A Classic and this week's schedule

 

Trigg County claims first-ever All-A Classic region title

Trigg County claimed their first-ever All-A Classic region baseball title with a 6-2 win over Caldwell County Thursday night in Hopkinsville.

R.J. Sholar had three hits at the plate with two RBIs and limited Caldwell County to two hits over six innings on the mound.

Alex Sadler added an RBI double, and Zack Snodgrass and Hunter Allen each had RBI singles for the Wildcats, who broke the game open with three runs in the fourth inning.

Sholar struck out six and walked six for the Wildcats, who improved to 10-4 with their eighth straight win.

Caldwell County, who lost in the All-A region final for the second straight year, fell to 3-8 with the loss.

The All-A region title is the first for Trigg County in baseball.  The Wildcats will host fourth region champ Glasgow in an All-A sectional contest.  The date and time for that game has not been set.  The winner of the sectional game will advance to the All-A State Tournament May 7-8 at Whitaker Bank Park in Lexington.

Trigg County advanced to the region final with a 1-0 semifinal win over University Heights Wednesday.  Hunter Allen pitched a complete game one-hitter, with Zack Snodgrass driving in the only run of the game.

 

Trigg County Diamond Club selling Christmas trees and wreaths

The Trigg County Diamond Club is selling North Carolina Frasier Fur Christmas trees and wreaths as a fundraiser for the upcoming season.

The trees range in size from five feet to 10 feet and cost from $25-$50.

The wreaths are from 8-24 inches in diameter and range in price from $15-$35.

The trees and wreaths will be on sale starting Friday at 8 a.m. at the corner of Main and Nunn Boulevard in Cadiz at the old Standard Service Station.

For more information, contact coach Jackie Sholar at 235-5788.

 

Trigg County Summer Slam Results

Here are the results of the Trigg County Summer Slam baseball tournament

 

 

7-8 Year Old Pool Play Scores

 

Thursday

Hanson 14 Lyon County 2

Crittenden County 13 Hopkinsville 9

Trigg County 11 Dawson Springs 0

Hopkinsville 10 Clarksville Northwest 6

 

Friday

Dawson Springs 12 Lyon County 2

Caldwell County 19 Hopkinsville 6

Trigg County 20 Hanson 12

Clarksville Northwest 10 Caldwell County 3

 

Saturday

Trigg County 20 Lyon County 2

Crittenden County 19 Caldwell County 9

Hanson 14 Dawson Springs 3

Clarksville Northwest 17 Crittenden County 0

 

Tournament Scores

Trigg County 17 Hopkinsville 15

Dawson Springs 22 Crittenden County 13

Hanson 11 Caldwell County 9

Clarksville Northwest 18 Lyon County 1

 

Semifinals

Trigg County 18 Dawson Springs 10

Clarksville Northwest 16 Hanson 5

 

Championship

NW 19 Trigg County 18

 

 

9-10 Year Old Pool Play

 

Thursday

Hopkins County 15 Todd County 6

Lyon County 9 Hanson 2

Christian County 7 Lyon County 6

Trigg County 7 Hopkins County

 

Trigg County opened play in the tournament with a 7-1 win over Hopkins County.  Trevor Cortner, Darrin Brown, and Kirome Bingham each had two hits, while Tyler Ladd drove in a pair with a single.  Cortner picked up the pitching win, allowing four hits in four innings.  He struck out five and walked none.

 

Friday

McCracken County 5 Hanson 4

Christian County 14 McCracken County 12

Trigg County 17 Todd County 8

 

Every Trigg County player scored at least one run in a 17-8 win over Todd County.  Jamarion Grubbs drove in four runs on a pair of hits, while Darrin Brown and Trevor Cortner each had two hits.  Taylor Hamption added an RBI double.  Brown got the pitching win, striking out three and allowing one hit in three innings.

 

Trigg County 14 Hopkins County 11

 

Trigg County broke open the game with an eight-run fourth inning.  Trevor Cortner and Darrin Brown each had run-scoring doubles while Taylor Hampton drove in three runs.  Trigg was helped by 14 Hopkins County walks.  Wesley Choate picked up the win on the mound, striking out five and giving up four hits in three innings.

 

Saturday

 

McCracken County 8 Lyon County 5

Christian County 16 Hanson 6

Trigg County 17 Todd County 9

 

Ashton Plymale drove in three runs, and Trevor Cortner added a two-run triple as Trigg County beat Todd County 17-9 to complete pool play action.  Darrin Brown and Tyler Ladd each had two hits for Trigg, and Cortner struck out five in two innings to pick up the pitching win.

 

Tournament

 

McCracken County 14 Todd County 4

Lyon County 9 Hopkins County 3

Trigg County 15 Hanson 14

 

Jamarion Grubbs lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to score the game-winning run as Trigg County opened tournament play with a 15-14 win over Hanson.  Trigg led 8-2 after two innings, but Hanson rallied with seven runs in the fifth inning to take a 13-11 lead.  Trigg scored twice in the fifth inning to tie the game on an RBI single by Jase Polley and an RBI groundout by Tyler Ladd.  Trevor Cortner had four of Trigg's 15 hits, including a triple.  Wesley Choate added three singles, and Jase Polley added an RBI triple.

 

Semifinals

Christian County 11 Lyon County 1

Trigg County 9 McCracken County 7

 

Trigg County got strong pitching from Wesley Choate and Trevor Cortner to beat McCracken County 9-7 in the semifinals.  Cortner picked up the win, allowing two earned run in three innings.  Choate got the save, fanning five over the final three innings.  Kirome Bingham drove in four runs with two hits, while Jase Polley and Jamarion Grubbs each had two hits.

 

Championship Game

 

Christian County Cardinals 11 Trigg County 1

 

Christian County scored four runs in the first inning and four more in the third to beat Trigg County 11-1 to claim the championship.  Trigg County managed just two hits in the game -- a double by Trevor Cortner and a single by Wesley Choate.

 

 

RECAP - Trigg County went 6-1 over three days and took second place in the Trigg County Summer Slam.  Hitting leaders for Trigg County were: Trevor Cortner .785 Avg., 8 RBI, 13 runs; Jase Polley .727 Avg., 3 RBI, 6 runs; Kirome Bingham .538 Avg., 4 RBI, 9 runs; Darrin Brown .526 Avg., 3 RBI, 9 runs; Wesley Choate .450 Avg., 4 RBI, 12 runs; Jamarion Grubbs .438 Avg., 6 RBI, five runs; Ashton Plymale 6 RBIs.  Trevor Cortner was 3-0 on the mound, striking out 14 and walking just one in 12 innings (2.50 ERA).  Wesley Choate was 2-0 and had one save with 11 strikeouts in 7 innings.  

 

 

11-12 Year-Olds

 

Pool Play Scores

 

Thursday

 

Lyon County 11 Christian County 1

Hanson 8 Crittenden County 4 (8 innings)

Hopkins County 16 Todd County 0

 

Friday

 

Trigg County 2 Lyon County 1

Hopkins County 5 Crittenden County 4

Hanson 16 Crittenden County 1

Trigg County 6 Christian County 3

 

Tournament

Trigg County 13 Todd County 2

Hanson 11 Christian County 1

Crittenden County 7 Lyon County 2

 

Semifinals

Hanson 11 Trigg County 6

Hopkins County 6 Crittenden County 4

 

Championship

Hopkins County 19 Hanson 10

 

TCYAA Summer Slam: Day One Scores and Day Two Schedule

Here are the Day One scores from the TCYAA Summer Slam Tournament being held at the Trigg County Recreation Complex.

7-8 Year Old Pool Play

Hanson 14 Lyon County 2

Crittenden County 13 Christian County 9

Trigg County 11 Dawson Springs 0

Christian County 10 Clarksville Northwest 6

9-10 Year Old Pool Play

Hopkins County 15 Todd County 6

Lyon County 9 Hanson 2

Trigg County 7 Hopkins County 1

Christian County 7 Lyon County 6

11-12 Year Old Pool Play

Lyon County 11 Christian County 1

Hanson 8 Crittenden County 4 (8 inn.)

Hopkins County 16 Todd County 0

Here is today's schedule of games.  If the games are rained out, they will not be made up.  Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children under 18.

7-8 Year Old Pool Play

5:30pm – Dawson Springs vs. Lyon County (Field #3)

6pm – Caldwell County vs. Christian County (Field #1)

7pm – Trigg County vs. Hanson (Field #3)

8:30pm – Caldwell County vs. Clarksville Northwest (Field #3)

9-10 Year Old Pool Play

5:30pm – Trigg County vs. Todd County (Field #4)

7pm – McCracken County vs. Hanson (Field #5)

7pm – Trigg County vs. Hopkins County (Field #4)

8:30pm – McCracken County vs. Christian County (Field #4)

11-12 Year Old Pool Play

5pm – Trigg County vs. Lyon County (Field #6)

5:30pm – Hopkins County vs. Crittenden County (Field #5)

6:30pm – Todd County vs. Hanson (Field #6)

8:30pm – Trigg County vs. Christian County (Field #5)

TCYAA Summer Slam Tournament begins today

The Trigg County Youth Athletic Association is hosting their first ever Summer Slam Baseball Tournament this weekend at the Complex.

There will be 22 teams from Kentucky and Tennessee taking part in the tournament, which covers three different age groups.

Pool play begins today and continues through Saturday morning, with a single elimination tournament in each age group to be played Saturday.

Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for kids under 18.

7-8 Year Old Tournament

POOL PLAY

Thursday, July 8

5:30pm – Lyon County vs. Hanson (Field #3)

6pm – Christian County vs. Crittenden County (Field #1)

7pm – Trigg County vs. Dawson Springs (Field #3)

8:30pm – Clarksville Northwest vs. Christian County (Field #3)

 

Friday, July 9

 

5:30pm – Dawson Springs vs. Lyon County (Field #3)

6pm – Caldwell County vs. Christian County (Field #1)

7pm – Trigg County vs. Hanson (Field #3)

8:30pm – Caldwell County vs. Clarksville Northwest (Field #3)

 

Saturday, July 10

 

10am – Trigg County vs. Lyon County (Field #3)

10am – Crittenden County vs. Caldwell County (Field #1)

11:30am – Dawson Springs vs. Hanson (Field #3)

11:30am – Clarksville Northwest vs. Crittenden County (Field #1)

9-10 Year Old Tournament

POOL PLAY

Thursday, July 8

5:30pm – Madisonville vs. Todd County (Field #4)

5:30pm – Lyon County vs. Hanson (Field #5)

7pm – Madisonville vs. Trigg County (Field #4)

8:30pm – Lyon County vs. Christian County (Field #4)

 

Friday, July 9

 

5:30pm – Trigg County vs. Todd County (Field #4)

7pm – McCracken County vs. Hanson (Field #5)

7pm – Trigg County vs. Madisonville (Field #4)

8:30pm – McCracken County vs. Christian County (Field #4)

 

Saturday, July 10

 

9am – Lyon County vs. McCracken County (Field #5)

10:30am – Trigg County vs. Todd County (Field #4)

10:30am – Hanson vs. Christian County (Field #5)

11-12 Year Old Tournament

POOL PLAY

Thursday, July 8

6pm – Christian County vs. Lyon County (Field #6)

7pm – Hanson vs. Crittenden County (Field #5)

8:30pm – Madisonville vs. Todd County (Field #5)

 

Friday, July 9

 

5pm – Trigg County vs. Lyon County (Field #6)

5:30pm – Madisonville vs. Crittenden County (Field #5)

6:30pm – Todd County vs. Hanson (Field #6)

8:30pm – Trigg County vs. Christian County (Field #5)

Trigg County baseball youth camp slated for July 12-13

Trigg County High School Baseball Coach Jackie Sholar will be hosting a youth baseball camp at the recreation complex Monday and Tuesday, July 12-13. 

The camp is open for all youth between 4 and 12 years old.

Registration will be from 8-8:30am Monday.  Camp will begin at 8:30am each morning and end at 12:30pm. 

The cost will be $30 per child unless they attended the spring baseball camp.  If they attended the pitchers and catchers camp earlier this spring, the cost will be only $20. 

Lunch will be served Tuesday, and each child will receive a t-shirt.

For more information, contact Jackie Sholar at 235-5788.

Royals take Justin Hageman in the 32nd round of MLB Draft

Hopkinsville High School senior Justin Hageman was taken by the Kansas City Royals with the fourth pick of the 32nd round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft today.

Hageman, a 6-2, 205-pound pitcher, helped lead Hopkinsville to their first region baseball title since 1986 last week.  He will put his talent on display next week at the State Baseball Tournament in Lexington when the Tigers open with Daviess County on Tuesday.

Hageman has committed to play baseball in college at Western Kentucky University.

Local players a part of Post 68 baseball team

A couple of Trigg Countians are part of the American Legion Post 68 baseball team based out of Eddyville.

R.J. Sholar and Shane Banks are a part of the team, according to the Princeton Times-Leader.  Other team members include Joe Pelletier of Christian County, Kyle Barbee and Joel Southall of University Heights Academy, and Kyle Stephenson of Hopkinsville.

Coaches of the team are Jeff Porter, Justin McIntosh, and Jackie Sholar.

Local umpire makes national news

Bryce Harper of the College of Southern Nevada is considered to be the top pick the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft later this month.

However, he was ejected from his team's game in the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado Thursday night for arguing a third strike call.  When he drew a line in the dirt of the opoosite batter's box, he was given the heave-ho by home plate umpire Don Gilmore.

You can view the ejection here at the 1:35 mark of the game.

Under the rules, Harper will have to sit out the next two games.

Gilmore is a well known and respected umpire from Hopkinsville, who has officiated several sports at the high school and college level.

Hopkinsville wins Second Region baseball title

Hopkinsville won their first region baseball title in 24 years with a 6-0 win over Henderson County Friday night in Hopkinsville.  The Tigers (25-7) wasted little time, scoring five times in the third inning to break open a 1-0 lead.

Justin Hageman pitched a complete game five-hitter, striking out 12 in picking up his second postseason win.

Kyle Smithson had an RBI single, David Gardner added a two-run double, and Josh Drake had an inside-the-park homerun as part of the nine-hit Hopkinsville attack.

Hopkinsville will now advance to the state baseball tournament for the third time in school history and the first time since 1950 when the lost to Newport Catholic in the title game.

Hoptown will play Daviess County (21-14), who beat Muhlenberg County 10-0 in five innings to claim the Third Region title.  The Tigers will carry a 13-game winning streak into the state tournament, with their game against Daviess County set for Tuesday, June 15 at 11am Lexington time at Applebee's Park.

In other first round games, First Region champ Lone Oak will play Lexington Christian that night at 6pm, while Fourth Region champ Warren Central will play Male that afternoon at 1:30pm.

Named to the All-Region Tournament Team were Justin Hageman, David Gardner, Kyle Smithson, and Josh Drake from Hopkinsville; Kyle Gibson, Miles Scott, and Sam Higgs from Henderson County; Cole Isom and Dylan Carroll from Christian County; Haydon Marks, and Dalton Lykens from Madisonville; Travis Gilbert from Crittenden County; R.J. Sholar from Trigg County; Aaron Hedgepeth from Union County; and Clayton McGregor from Caldwell County.

2nd Region Baseball Tourney: Day One Scores

Day One Recap from the Second Region Baseball Tournament

• Christian County beat Crittenden County 6-2 in the opening game of the day.  Joe Pelletier had two doubles and drove in three runs.  Kyle Spencer struck out seven and picked up the win on the mound.  Crittenden County's season ends at 18-14.
• Henderson County beat Caldwell County 12-2 in six innings to set up a rematch of last year's region final game.  The Colonels took advantage of a shaky Caldwell County defense, as the Tiger committed six errors.  Caldwell's season ends at 17-19.
• Kyle Smithson pitched a two-hit shutout to lead Hopkinsville over Trigg County 4-0.  Trace Kuberski and Hunter Allen had the only hits for Trigg County.  Justin Hageman had a triple for Hopkinsville, who won a region tourney game for the first time in three years.  Trigg County's season ends at 16-20.  The loss was Trigg's eighth straight in the region tournament dating back to 1989.
• Madisonville beat Union County 16-6 in five innings to advance to the semifinals for the fourth straight year.  Union County's season ends at 16-16.

SEMIFINALS

Wednesday, June 2

5:30pm - Christian County (25-13) vs. Henderson County (29-9)

7:30pm - Hopkinsville (23-7) vs. Madisonville (10-21)

Thursday, June 3

7:30pm - Championship Game

Second Region Baseball Tournament Pairings

Here are the pairings for the Second Region Baseball Tournament to be played at Hopkinsville High School.

MONDAY

10am - Crittenden County (18-13) vs. Christian County (24-13) -- These teams were scheduled to play during the regular season but rain washed the game out.  Christian County beat Crittenden 5-0 in last year's semifinals.

1pm - Henderson County (28-9) vs. Caldwell County (17-18) -- Henderson County swept the season series, winning 11-1 in six innings on April 29 and 6-2 on May 17.

4pm - Hopkinsville (22-7) vs. Trigg County (16-19) -- These teams did not play during the regular season.  Trigg County has not won a region tournament game since 1989.

7pm - Madisonville (9-21) vs. Union County (16-15) -- These teams split their regular season games, with Union County winning 14-4 on April 12, and Madisonville returning the favor 6-4 on April 29.

If Madisonville beats Union County, the semifinals will be played Wednesday and the championship Thursday. 

If Union County beat Madisonville, the semifinals will be played Tuesday and the championship Wednesday at 7:30pm.

District Tourney Baseball Scores

Here are the semifinal scores from the baseball district tournaments in the area from Monday:

 

5th District at Crittenden County

Crittenden County 18 Lyon County 3 (5 innings)

Trigg County 6 Livingston Central 5

6th District at Union County

Henderson County 10 Webster County 2

7th District at Dawson Springs

Madisonville 9 Dawson Springs 2

Caldwell County 13 Hopkins County Central 3 (5 innings)

8th District at Hopkinsville

Hopkinsville 10 Fort Campbell 0 (6 innings)

Christian County 4 University Heights 0

Today's championship games

5th District

Trigg County vs. Crittenden County, 6pm

6th District

Henderson County vs. Union County, 7pm

7th District

Madisonville vs. Caldwell County, 7pm

Trigg County 15 Webster County 2

Trigg County snapped a three-game losing streak with a 15-2 win at Webster County Saturday.

The win gives the Wildcats a 14-17 record and three straight seasons of at least 13 wins, which is believed to be a school record.

On Saturday, David Wease, Hunter Smilie, and R.J. Sholar each had three hits, with Sholar knocking in four runs.  Alex Sadler and Hunter Allen each smacked their third home run of the season as part of the 14-hit attack.  Trigg had scored just one run in their previous three games.

Trigg scored in every inning, including five in the first.

Sholar picked up the pitching win, scattering four hits and striking out three.

Trigg County returns to action today at Union County.

District Baseball Tournament Pairings

Here are the district tournament matchups for the four districts that comprise the Second Region

FIFTH DISTRICT AT CRITTENDEN COUNTY

MONDAY, MAY 24

(#1) Crittenden County vs. (#4) Lyon County, 5:30pm

(#2) Livingston Central vs. (#3) Trigg County, 7:30pm

TUESDAY, MAY 25

Championship Game at 6pm

SIXTH DISTRICT AT UNION COUNTY

MONDAY, MAY 24

(#2) Henderson County vs. (#3) Webster County, 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 25

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

(#1) Union County vs. Henderson/Webster winner, 7pm

SEVENTH DISTRICT AT DAWSON SPRINGS

MONDAY, MAY 24

(#1) Madisonville vs. (#4) Dawson Springs, 5pm

(#2) Caldwell County vs. (#3) Hopkins County Central, 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 25

Championship Game at 7pm

EIGHTH DISTRICT AT HOPKINSVILLE HIGH

MONDAY, MAY 24

(#1) Hopkinsville vs. (#4) Fort Campbell, 5:30pm

(#2) Christian County vs. (#3) University Heights, 7:30pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26

Championship Game at 7:30pm

Crittenden County 10 Trigg County 0

Casey Oliver limited Trigg County to just four hits as Crittenden County blanked Trigg County 10-0 Wednesday to complete a district sweep of the season.

At 6-0, the Rockets will be the top seed in the Fifth District tournament while Trigg County will either be a #2 or #3 seed depending on the outcome of a coin toss with Livingston Central.

Crittenden County (14-12) needed only five innings to polish off the Wildcats, who have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time in seven years.

Trigg County (12-16) got singles from R.J. Sholar, Alex Sadler, Hunter Allen, and Cameron Sumner,

The Wildcats return to action Friday at home against Russellville.

Christian County 15 Trigg County 0

Christian County scored 10 runs in the third inning and posted a 15-0 win over Trigg County Tuesday at the Complex.

Cole Isom belted a pair of home runs, and Joe Pelletier added a home run and a single for the Colonels, who improved to 19-10.  Zack Parker picked up the pitching win.

Trigg County was held to four hits -- singles by R.J. Sholar, Alex Sadler, Zack Bridges, and Jared Stallons.

The Wildcats fall to 12-15 and will travel to Crittenden County today for their final regular season district game.

Trigg County 6 Todd County Central 5

Trigg County scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Todd County Central 6-5 Monday night at the Complex.

Zack Bridges pitched a complete game, striking out 10 and scattering nine hits for the Wildcats.

Alex Sadler and Andre Wright each had doubles, Bridges a triple, and R.J. Sholar had two singles to spearhead the seven-hit attack.

Jordan Walters had a home run for Todd County, and Hunter Tabb had three hits.

The Wildcats return to action today at home against Christian County.

Trigg County 10 Lyon County 0

Trigg County scored early and often to beat Lyon County 10-0 Friday in Eddyville.  The win moved Trigg County to 10-12 overall and 3-1 in district play and gives the Wildcats their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Zack Bridges picked up the pitching win for Trigg County, striking out one in three innings.

R.J. Sholar had two singles for Trigg County, and Andre Wright and Hunter Smilie each had a double and single for the Wildcats, who will play at Fort Campbell Monday.

Trigg County 7 Stewart County 6

R.J. Sholar singled home the go-ahead runs, and Jared Stallons pitched effectively in relief as Trigg County came from behind to beat Stewart County, Tenn. 7-6 Wednesday in baseball action at the Complex.

Sholar's RBIs capped a six-run sixth inning that saw the Wildcats erase a 6-1 deficit.  Sholar had four hits and two RBIs on the day, while Stallons and David Wease each had a pair of hits to highlight a 13-hit attack.  Zack Bridges added an RBI double in the sixth inning.

Stallons pitched the final two innings, striking out two and picking up the win.

The Wildcats improve to 9-12 on the season, while Stewart County falls to 5-9.

Trigg County returns to action Friday in a district game at Lyon County.

Trigg County's game with Caldwell County cancelled

Trigg County's baseball game with Caldwell County scheduled for today has been cancelled because Caldwell has advanced in the All-A Tournament.

The Tigers beat Livingston Central 10-0 Tuesday, which means they play Dawson Springs tonight in the All-A Classic Region Tournament.

University Heights plays Lyon County in the other game.

Trigg County 17 Lyon County 2

Trigg County put crooked numbers on the scoreboard in the first three innings to beat Lyon County 17-2 Tuesday at the Complex in their district opener.

Trigg scored six runs in the first, four more in the second, and seven runs in the third inning.

R.J. Sholar smacked a grand slam in the third inning as part of a six RBI afternoon.

Zack Bridges had two singles and three RBIs, Jared Stallons had two singles and two RBIs, and Alex Sadler had a single and a double.

Bridges picked up the win on the mound, striking out five in four innings and walking just two.

Trigg County improved to 6-10 with the win and 1-0 in district play.  The Wildcats were scheduled to play Caldwell County Thursday, but that game was cancelled because of Caldwell's advancement in the All-A Classic Tournament.

Lyon County fell to 0-5 with the loss.

Trigg County 7 Murray 6

Hunter Allen smacked a 3-run homer as part of a 5-run sixth inning to lead Trigg County past Murray 7-6 Monday night at the Complex.  The win avenged a 12-7 loss to the Tigers earlier in the month.

R.J. Sholar had three hits and two RBIs, and Cameron Sumner had two hits for the Wildcats, who had eight in the game.

Preceding Allen's sixth inning homer, Jared Stallons had an RBI double and R.J. Sholar had a two-run single.

Alex Sadler pitched the final two innings to get the win, giving up four hits,

Trigg County (5-10) will host Lyon County today, while Murray (8-6) will play Hickman County Thursday.

Wildcats split games in Clarksville

Trigg County split a pair of games today in the William Workman Classic in Clarksville.  The Wildcats beat Hickman County 10-0 but lost to Clarksville Northeast 18-1.

Against Hickman County, Alex Sadler pitched a three-hit shutout, striking out five and walking one.  Sadler also had a double at the plate.

R.J. Sholar and Cody Carrico both had two singles and two RBIs, and Zack Bridges had a double and two RBIs. 

Meanwhile, Northeast scored nine runs in the first inning and four more in the second to coast to an 18-1 win over the Wildcats.

Hunter Allen drove in the lone Wildcat run with a single.  Alex Sadler and R.J. Sholar had the other singles for Trigg County.

Trigg County will play Murray Monday at the Complex.

Trigg County drops two games in Clarksville

Trigg County dropped a pair of games in the William Workman Classic in Clarksville Saturday.  The Wildcats los to Clarksville Northwest 7-5 in the opener and was 10-runned by Brentwood Academy 10-0 in six innings in the nightcap.

Against Northwest, the Wildcats allowed five runs int he first three innings, and the Vikings scored the game-winners in the bottom of the sixth inning.

R.J. Sholar took the loss on the mound, giving up two earned runs in six innings of work.  He fanned seven and walked two.  Sholar also had an RBI double at the plate.

Alex Sadler, Hunter Smilie, and Andre Wright also had singles for the Wildcats.

Brentwood Academy scored three runs in each of the second and third innings and went on to beat the Wildcats 10-0 in the nightcap.

Alex Sadler had three of Trigg's six hits, while Hunter Allen had a single and double, and Hunter Smilie added a single.

Zack Bridges took the loss on the mound for the Wildcats.

The losses came after Trigg County lost a pair of games in the Oldham County Spring Break Tournament, losing to Western Hills 10-4 and dropping a 7-4 contest to Butler.

Boomer Ball tonight: University Heights at Christian County

Our next Boomer ballgame will be tonight when Christian County hosts University Heights in an 8th District battle at Colonel Field.

Airtime is 6:45pm with a 7pm first pitch on Boomer Radio 96.5FM, 100.9FM, and online at www.oldies1480.com.

Todd County Central 9 Trigg County 5

Todd County scored four unearned runs and struggled to make contact at the plate in a 9-5 loss at Todd County Thursday.

The Rebels scored three runs in each of the first two innings and two more in the third to take control of the game.

R.J. Sholar had two singles and a double and drove in two runs.  Jared Stallons, Hunter Smilie, and Andre Wright each had singles.  However, Trigg County struck out nine times in the game.

The Wildcats also had another shaky defensive game, committing six errors.

"It was our worst game of the year.  We came out dead and just didn't play," Wildcat head coach Jackie Sholar said.

Hunter Allen took the loss on the mound for the Wildcats.

Trigg County (2-5) returns to action today as they host Madisonville tonight at the Complex.

Christian County 15 Trigg County 5

Kyle Spencer had three hits and drove in two runs, and Christian County scored in every inning to beat Trigg County 15-5 Monday in the 2010 season opener for both teams.

Christian County batted around in the first inning in plating five runs.  Phillip Morgan drove in two runs with an RBI single as part of a two-hit day.

The Colonels led 7-0 after two innings before Trigg County rallied with five runs in the third.  Hunter Smilie drove in two with a single, and Jared Stallons added an RBI single.

However, Christian County scored four runs in the bottom of the third and four more in the fourth to invoke the mercy rule.

Mitchell Blackmon plated two runs with a single in the third inning, and Cole Isom had a two-run single in the fourth.

Isom picked up the win on the mound, allowing two earned runs in four innings, striking out three and walking three.  Smilie took the loss for Trigg, giving up 11 runs, seven of which were earned.

Trigg County hosts Christian Fellowship today at 6pm at the Complex, while Christian County hosts Hopkins County Central at 5:30pm at Colonel Field.

Trigg County to return to the All-A Classic

After a four-year absence, Trigg County will return to the All-A Classic in 2010-11.

The basketball coaches learned of their All-A Tournament matchups at a meeting last week.  Trigg County's boys will host Livingston Central Jan. 18, 2011 in the first round.  They will play the winner of Crittenden County and Lyon County in an upper bracket that matches this past year's district tournament.

Dawson Springs hosts Caldwell County in the bottom bracket wih University Heights getting a first round bye.

The semifinals will be Jan. 21, 2011 at Crittenden County High School with the championship game the following night.

For the ladies, Trigg County will play at Lyon County on Jan. 17, 2011.  They will play the winner of Dawson Springs and Caldwell County.

The lower bracket has Crittenden County at University Heights with Livingston Central getting a first round bye.

The semifinals will be Jan. 20, 2011.

Trigg's boys have played in the All-A championship four times, winning a title in 1997. The girls have advanced to the finals once.

Trigg County replaces Fort Campbell in the All-A.  Fort Campbell's enrollment exceeded the guidelines set forth by the All-A Classic.

The inclusion in the All-A Tournament also includes soccer, golf, volleyball, baseball, and softball, with those pairings to be announced later.

While Trigg's enrollment isn't declining, the consolidation of several smaller schools around the state have dropped Trigg into the bottom 125, which sets the All-A eligibility.  With Heath and Reidland getting consolidated into the new McCracken County High School, Trigg may stay in the All-A for a while.

However, the future fate of Fort Campbell in the All-A Classic isn't known with student growth on post growing.

Justin Hageman signs to play baseball for Western Kentucky

Hopkinsville pitcher Justin Hageman has signed to play baseball at Western Kentucky University, according to the Kentucky New Era.

Saturday's story said Hageman, who will be a senior at Hopkinsville High, was 5-3 on the mound last year with a 1.60 ERA, following a sophomore campaign that saw him go 8-0 with a 0.64 ERA. He struck out 83 in 66 innings pitched.

The New Era story also said Hageman continues to draw interest from several Major League Baseball teams, including the Braves, Brewers, and Yankees.

Madcatz take second place in tourney

 
Team members are (front row) Matthew Skinner, Benson Stallons,Wesley Kennedy, Noah Thomas, Chance Coates, Andrew Enstminger (second row) - Reid Kuberski, Jeremy Maddox, Will Allen, and Kenneth Hyams.  Coaches are (back row) James Kennedy, Kevin Allen, and Kevin Maddox.

The MadCatz U-11 Baseball team took second place at the Madisonville Battle of the Bats tourney Sept. 27.

The MadCatz went 3-1 in the tourney, beating the Kentucky T-Breds 6-2 and the Tennessee Copperheads 11-1 in pool play.

They beat the T-Breds 6-5 in the semfinals and lost to the West Kentucky Jayhawks 7-2 in the title game.

Coaches of the MadCatz are James Kennedy, Kevin Allen, and Kevin Maddox.

Trigg County 7-8 All-Stars take Lyon County tourney title

 

Members of the Trigg County 7/8 y/o All-Star team are (Back row) Coaches Jeremy Cortner, Mark Butts, Scott Brown, Brian Ahart, Raquel Brown (Second row) Zeb Fox, Nick Ahart, Jamarion Grubbs, Caleb Skinner, Jordan Shemwell, Jase Polley, Ethan Nolcox (Front row) Trevor Cortner, Micah Brown, Darrin Brown, Arlen Butts, Darrin Goodwin, and Kyron Grubbs

Trigg County's 7-8 year-old All-Star baseball team won the Lyon County Invitational Tournament July 16-18 in Eddyville.

Trigg County beat Dawson Springs 17-0 July 16 in the opener, beat Crittenden County 15-8 July 17 in the second round, and beat Caldwell County 18-7 July 18 in the semifinals.

In the championship July 18, Trigg beat Crittenden County again 9-2.

In the four games, Trigg's hitting leaders were Jamarion Grubbs with nine hits, Micah Brown with nine hits and 5 RBIs, Zeb Fox with eight hits and 5 RBIs, and Trevor Cortner, Darrin Brown (right), Jase Polley, Nick Ahart and Ethan Nolcox with seven hits each. Polley led the team with six RBIs.

The All-Star team is coached by Mark Butts, Brian Ahart, Scott Brown, Jeremy Cortner, and Raquel Brown

Trigg Catz win second straight tournament

Team members are (back row) Coaches Kevin Allen and Mike Estes; (Middle Row) Hunter Allen, Tyreke Wilson, Reid Kuberski, Tyler Estes, Regan Hyde (Front Row) Wesley Kennedy, Will Allen, Matt Skinner, Zack Colbert, Ethan Dossett, and Gabe Nolcox.

For the second week in a row, Trigg County's U-11 Catz took first place in a weekend tournament.  Trigg rolled through the tournament and beat a second Trigg team, the Renegades, in the championship game.

Trigg County baseball team holding youth camp next week

The Trigg County baseball team will hold a youth camp July 13 and 14 for players ages five through 12.  The two-day camp will be from 8 to noon at the Trigg County Recreation Complex.

Lunch will be served on Tuesday.

The cost of the camp is $30, which gets the camper a T-shirt and a chance to win individual awards.

Registration forms can be picked up at King's Funeral Home in Cadiz.

For more information, call head coach Jackie Sholar at 235-5788.

Trigg County Diamond Club Golf Scramble set for July 18

The Trigg County Diamond Club will be having a two-person golf scramble Saturday, July 18 at 1pm at Boots Randolph Golf Course.

The entry fee is $15, which does not include green fees and cart, but does include lunch.

There will be prizes on most holes and tee locations will be determined by age.

For more information, call Jackie Sholar at 235-5788 or Jerry Faris at 522-3375.

Local players fare well in baseball all-star game

Trigg County's Will Stagner and Christian County's Jordan Williams each reached base and helped the West All-Stars beat the East 6-5 in eight innings today at Cliff Hagan Stadium at the University of Kentucky.

Stagner walked in two plate appearances, and Williams reached on an error for the West All-Stars.  Calloway County's Casey Brockman and Union County's Nathan Hedgepath each had hits.

The West won the game on Chris Berry's (Trinity) single in the eighth inning.

Mr. Baseball Luke Maile of Covington Catholic hit a home run for the East squad.

The all-star game was part of a showcase weekend for baseball players around the state.  Christian County's Cole Isom took part in the junior all-star game, and Trigg County's R.J. Sholar and University Heights Academy's Matt McGowan took part in the Sophomore Showcase in front of college coaches and scouts.

Trigg County baseball banquet

Players recognized at the TCHS baseball banquet were (front row) Hunter Allen, Andre Wright, Zack Bridges, Ryan Russell, Austin Hart (Back row) Tyler Thomas, Josh Green, Shane Banks, Donald Bush, Will Stagner, Jordan P'Pool, Alex Sadler, and R.J. Sholar.

Award winners at the Trigg County High School baseball banquet held Monday:

JV .400 Club - Zack Bridges (.400); Andre Wright (.465); and Ryan Russell (.470)

JV .500 Club - Hogan Bailey (.500) and Hunter Allen (.509), who hit safely in all 18 JV games

JV Most Improved - Jaron Gilbert

JV Hustle Award - Ryan Russell

JV Coaches Award - Hogan Bailey

JV MVP - Hunter Allen

Senior Awards - Jordan P'Pool, Will Stagner, Donald Bush, Shane Banks, Josh Green, and Tyler Thomas

.300 Club - R.J. Sholar (.369)

.400 Club - Donald Bush (.419), Shane Banks (.448)

.500 Club - Will Stagner (.505)

Most Improved - Alex Sadler

Mr. Hustle - R.J. Sholar

Coaches Award - Austin Hart

Best All-Around - Shane Banks

MVP - Will Stagner

Local players to play in East/West baseball games this weekend

Trigg County's Will Stagner and Christian County's Jordan Williams will be on the West squad that will play the East Sunday at the University of Kentucky.

The senior all-stars will play two games Sunday, at 1pm and 4pm.

Other players on the West squad include Casey Brockman of Calloway County, Tyler Johnson of Marshall County, Nate Hedgespath of Union County, and Brent Barnett of Marshall County.  The coach of the West team is Bill Miller of Pleasure Ridge Park.

On Saturday, the East/West junior all-star games will be played at 2pm and 5pm.

Members of the West team include Ryan Hayden of Graves County, Cole Isom of Christian County, Kyle Gibson of Henderson County, Brock Downey of Murray, and Jordan Cessna of Henderson County.  The coach of the West squad is John Morris of Eastern.

Also on Saturday, the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association will have a sophomore showcase to showcase some of the state's top 10th graders before college coaches and scouts.

Players in the sophomore showcase include Trigg County's R.J. Sholar, Matt McGowan of University Heights, and Aaron Hedgespath of Union County.

Will Stagner, Jordan Williams named All-State

A pair of local catchers have been named to the All-State squad by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Trigg County's Will Stagner and Christian County's Jordan Williams were named to the second team all-state team based on voting conducted by statewide coaches.

Stagner batted .505 for the Wildcats this year, with 5 home runs and 44 runs batted in.  He had a video game-esque .842 slugging percentage and .586 on base percentage.  Stagner struck out just eight times in 128 plate appearances.

Stagner also went 4-4 on the mound with a team-leading 3.29 ERA.

Williams led the Colonels with a .422 on base percentage with a team-high 11 doubles.

Players named to the first team included Mr. Baseball Luke Maile of Covington Catholic, and Casey Brockman of Calloway County.

Named Second team all-state were Tyler Johnson of Marshall County, Cole Sturgeon of Owensboro Catholic, Cody Forsythe of Marshall County, and Gage Thompson of Henderson County.

Honorable mention all-state include Allen Haase of Lone Oak, Ben Campbell of Madisonville, Yantae Williams of Owensboro.

Middle school baseball team wraps up season

The Trigg County Middle School baseball team wrapped up their season with an 8-5 record.  The team is coached by Shannon Knight.

 

Players on the TCMS baseball team are (front row) Corbin Estes, Nick Allen, Cullen Garner, Justin Calhoun, Romaine Cunningham, Trace Kuberski, Ben Wiggand, Head Coach-Shannon Knight.  Back row - coach Gant Gardner, Dylan Dawson, Kyle Rivera, Caleb McIntosh, coach Layton Dawson, David Wease, Cole Gardner, Colten Bridges, Benton Miller, and coach David Bridges.

Scott Vance relieved of baseball coaching duties at Madisonville

Despite winning 164 games in seven seasons, Scott Vance has been ousted as head baseball coach at Madisonville.

The Madisonville Messenger reported Tuesday that Hopkins County Superintendent James Lee Stevens told Vance last week that he would not be retained as head coach.

"His success rate has been very successful,” Stevens told the newspaper. “His baseball knowledge has been very good. It’s just a failure of communications following directions of the KHSAA and school board procedures."

Vance was 164-83 (.664) in seven seasons as head coach of the Maroons, which included seven district titles.  However, Madisonville has not enjoyed the same success in the region tournament.  The Maroons have not won a region title since 1979.

Madisonville was 25-10 this year, losing to Henderson County in the region semifinals.

Vance did not comment to the newspaper, but hinted he may seek legal counsel about Stevens' decision.