By SHELIA MADER
Published: May 10, 2008

Dixie Youth AAA action was hot and heavy Thursday night at Optimist Park with four teams competing for top rankings at the end of the season.

In game one, it was Optimist challenging Kiwanis with the first place spot on the line in game two as the undefeated Regions took on People’s First.

Game one was a narrow 4-3 win for Kiwanis over Optimist.

Justin Crosby started on the mound for Optimist before being relieved by Jared Hendrix, who closed out the game.

Ethan Strickland took the mound for Kiwanis for four innings with Aaron Williams throwing the final inning.

In the top of the first inning, Williams drew a walk and moved to third on a single by Brandon Reed.

With one out, Hunter Eddins picked up two RBI on a single and moved to second on the throw. Optimist answered with one run in the bottom of the frame. A lead-off walk to Justin Crosby was followed by a strikeout.

Austin Torbett singled to score Crosby and Jared Hendrix followed with a walk.

Following a strikeout, Will Johnson drew a walk to load the bases but the Optimist were unable to capitalize as the final batter went down on strikes.

Kiwanis plated two runs in the top of the third inning to go up 4-1 midway through the inning. Colby Bachelier, James Foster and Williams loaded the bases with walks.

With one out, Zack Malone hit into a fielder’s choice that got Bachelier at home but a double by Eddins plated two runs.

With one out in the bottom of the third, Crosby singled but was out on a throw from catcher Hunter Eddins to Hampton Jordan at second. Optimist plated two runs in the fourth.A walk to Jared Hendrix was followed by a home run by Tanner McCoy.

In the fifth and final inning, Kody Gilbert had a one out walk and moved to third with two outs when Crosby drew a walk, but a strikeout ended the threat and the game.
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In game two, it was the No. 1 Regions keeping their season perfect with an 11-2 defeat of People’s First.

Trent Charles picked up the win, going two innings, allowing just one run on two walks and one hit batter while striking out six.

Jake Daffin came in for the final three innings, giving up one run on two errors and one walk while fanning seven.

Garrison Melzer took the loss for People’s First, giving up 11 runs on six hits, four walks, five hit batsman, with four errors committed behind him.

Offensively for People’s First, it was Melzer who drew a walk and reached on an error, followed by Lawrence Glover and Kiley Bryan who each drew a walk.

For Regions, Charles improved to 11-for-14 on the season with three hits, including two doubles, followed by Jake Daffin who was 2-for-3 and reached on an error.

Quaid VanHuss was 2-for-3 and Cade Bonds was on base three out of three times taking advantage of three errors.

Action continues Monday night at Optimist Park with Optimist and Zaxby’s facing off 5:30 p.m., followed by Regions and Kiwanis at 6:45 p.m.

Dixie Boys
In Dixie Boys action, Barnes Tire defeated Youngstown on Monday 9-6 minus two key players. 

Chris Godwin and Kyle Griffin were missing due to a band concert at MMS.

Ryan Riley took the mound for Barnes, going the distance, giving up six runs on seven hits, four walks and three errors with seven strikeouts. 

Youngstown picked up one run in the top of the first inning with Barnes Tire answering with two in the bottom of the inning.

With one out, Riley singled and scored on a single by Burch. With two outs, Ryan Hughes tripled to left field to score Brandon Burch but a strikeout ended the inning.

In the top of the second inning, the lead-off batter tripled, and with one out, runners were on the corners with a walk. 

An error at second scored one and put runners at second and third.

The next batter reached on an error at first, scoring two runs, but Riley sat the next two down on strikeouts to end the inning.

In the top of the third inning, a one-out double, a walk and a sacrifice plated two runs.

Barnes answered in their half of the frame with one run to make it a 6-3 ballgame.  Jay Phelps had a lead off walk and moved to second on a single by Riley. 

Burch hit into a fielder’s choice that got Riley at second but scored Phelps. A ground out to first ended the inning.

Youngstown threatened in the fourth with a walk and a single but the defense tightened keeping the runners off the board.

Barnes took the lead in the fourth with four runs. 

Shayne Blanton had a lead-off walk and with one out, Johns singled to put runners on the corners. 

Johnson came up with an RBI double to start the scoring. Phelps had an RBI sacrifice to plate the second run. Riley was hit by a pitch and Zack Johnson scored on a passed ball. 

Burch picked up an RBI on a single but was out trying to take an extra base.

Riley worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the sixth inning with two strikeouts to end the inning and the game.
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In action the previous week, Barnes picked up back-to-back wins over Chipley. 

Game one was behind the pitching of Golden with an 11-0 shutout.

Golden allowed no runs, only one hit and issued four walks while striking out seven. 

Offensively, Joshua Emanuel led the team going 3-for-3 with four RBI, followed by Riley’s 3-for-3 with an RBI. 

Chris Godwin and Jake Mitchell were both 2-for-3, followed by Blanton who was 1-for-2 and Golden 1-for-3.

In the second game against Chipley it was Blanton at the helms with Barnes handing Chipley a 13-3 loss. 

Blanton gave up three runs on four hits and three walks with nine strikeouts.

Offensively, Mitchell was 2-for-2, followed by Golden and Blanton who were 2-for-3. 

Riley, Griffin and Phelps were 1-for-3.  Godwin was on base every plate appearance taking advantage of two errors and a walk.
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In other Dixie Boys action, Rahal-Miller took care of Chipley on the road Tuesday with a 9-2 win behind the homering of Bradly Middleton. 

Middleton had a two run-home run in the first inning, scoring Davis, who singled and repeated the show in the second inning, scoring Davis a second time. 

In the final inning, Middleton came up one base shy with a triple. 

Clayte Rooks was 3-for-3 on the night, with Davis 2-for-2. Singletary and Dillard were both 1-for-2. 

Action continues Monday in Dixie Boys action with Rahal-Miller on the road at Grand Ridge. First pitch is slated for 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday night, Zaxby’s will host Chipley (Spencer) at 5:30 p.m., while Rahal-Miller travels to Alford.