February 29, 2008

Graeter was "greater" in Poplarville's 2-0 win over Tide

by Carey Meitzler

Poplarville--The Maroon Tide's Hunter Gill scattered six hits, struck out four, walked just three, and gave up two runs.  With a

good pitching performance like Gill's, you would figure that you could win most games, but Poplarville's Ashley Graeter was 'greater'

throwing a no-hitter against Picayune for a 2-0 win.

The homestanding Hornets scored the only run they would need in the bottom of the first inning.  With two outs and no one

aboard, Graeter singled to left field.  Courtesy runner Donovan Touchet came on to run and after a bases on balls to Jonathan

Anderson,  Josh Reed singled to centerfield that brought in Touchet from second base just ahead of near perfect throw to

home plate from Picayune's Jake Martinez.

Poplarville (3-1, 1-1) added an insurance run in the third. Cody Hinson walked to lead off the inning and Graeter was hit by a pitch. 

Anderson singled to left field to plate Hinson for a 2-0 lead.

Graeter, the Pearl River Community College signee, struck out 11 Tide batters, only allowed two base runners.  Evan Nichelson

walked in the second inning and Gill reached on an error in the third. 

Picayune (4-2, 1-1) will play a doubleheader at Gautier on Saturday before returning to Region 8-4A action on Tuesday when

they host D'Iberville at Picayune's Field of Dreams.