By Brooke Reynolds
HMS Sports Writer
On Tuesday, March 19 the Hayesville Middle School Baseball team traveled to Swain county to take on the Maroon Devils. The Jackets knew they would be facing one of the better pitchers in the Smoky Mountain Conference this year and came mentally prepared. However, the Jackets came up short in the end with a hard fought 0-4 loss. Caden McClure led things off on the mound for the Jackets allowing three hits, two runs, but struck out three and did not allow a walk over two and one-third innings. Brady Gerdes, Porter Hood and Micah Moss each collected one hit for the Jackets but left on base.
On Thursday, March 21 the Yellow Jackets were looking for revenge after that tough loss on Tuesday and wow, did they ever accomplish that goal. Moss drove in four runs on three hits to help lead the Jackets past Swain in a 19-11 victory. Both offenses were strong at the plate as the Jackets had 12 hits and the Devils had 10. Swain started the game by earning the first run but that was quickly followed by Camden Taylor hitting a single scoring two runs and Tucker Moore hitting an RBI, making the score 3-1. In the top of the third Swain went on a run taking the lead to 8-3 but the Jackets did not hang their heads and give up. They came back strong and kept fighting, scoring 8 runs, two of which were driven in by Taylor, to take the lead 12-9.
The Jackets kept driving in runs in the bottom of the fifth scoring 7 runs. Porter Hood had bases loaded as he came up to bat. He earned a RBI at the plate, while Rhett Sellers singled, scoring one run for the Jackets. The Jackets took the well earned victory over Swain, 19-11.
Coach Zach Moss had some encouraging words about his team stating, “I am proud of the fight that I have witnessed in this group. They could have easily been discouraged early, but kept believing and made timely hits. This group works hard and is a joy to coach.”
The HMS Jackets will travel to Hiwassee Dam/Ranger. Game starts at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Come out and support the Yellow Jackets.