Tide Loses A Heartbreaker at #2 Oak Grove, 1-0

By: Jason Pigott

The Tide nearly overcame some long odds on the road Tuesday night in Oak Grove. 

After losing twice at home on Saturday as a result of a defensive display that would

make a Red Cross volunteer blush, few gave the Tide a chance of pulling an upset ,

or even competing in this game.  The Warriors are the current two time defending

state champions, ranked 2nd in the state with a 17-1 record, and have yet to allow

a run to a Division 5 opponent through three games this season.  Throw in a capacity

crowd at the newly established Harry Breland Field and this one had all the makings

of an Oak Grove blowout win.  However, someone forgot to tell the boys wearing maroon.

Given the aformentioned circumstances, credit needs to be given to first year Head Coach

Cayne Stockstill for having his team ready to play.  Stockstill once again handed the ball to

his senior RHP, Heath Stevens and asked him to carry the load on the mound and Stevens

answered the call.  The PRCC signee went the distance, struck out 6, and allowed a mere

4 hits to a mighty Warrior offense that averages over 10 runs a game.  The lone Warrior run

came in the 6th inning when Wayne Smith led off with an infield single to SS.  The courtesy

runner for Smith would end up at 3rd base courtesy of botched pick-off attempts at first

and second bases. 

With a runner now at 3rd and nobody out, Stevens would have to face batters 1-2-3 in the

Warrior order without allowing the run to score.  After inducing a shallow fly ball to right field

and then striking out another, the decision was made to intentionally walk the next batter who

had hit the ball hard twice in the game and is considered to be the Warriors best hitter. 

However, it was not meant to be on this night for the Maroon Tide as the next batter, Zack

Harrington would double to right field and score the game's only run. 

The Tide (12-7, 3-2) would go quietly in the 7th and never really mounted a threat against

Warrior ace, Wayne Smith.  For the second time this season, Smith earned a complete game

shutout win over the Tide and allowed only two hits.  Smith, a USM signee, has allowed only

one earned run this season and could arguably be the best pitcher in the state of MS. 

Tonight's loss makes the regular season finale in Picayune on Friday night a must win situation

for the Tide's playoff hopes.  With this victory the Warriors (18-1, 4-0) clinched a postseason

berth and appear to have the Division 5 Championship all but tucked away.