April 3, 2009

Tide miscues lead to 4-2 loss to Long Beach

by Carey Meitzler

Picayune--The Picayune Maroon Tide has been winning by playing error-free defense, but two costly errors allowed Long Beach

to take a 4-2 win and gain a split in the home and home Region 8-4A series.

Picayune scored a run in the fourth on Brett Milner's fielders choice grounder.  Long Beach answered with a run in the top of the

fifth when Timmy Maloney doubled deep to center field and scored on a two out Maroon Tide error to tie the game at 1-1.

The Maroon Tide's Evan Nichelson singled to left field to score courtesy runner Garrett Williams with the go ahead run in the

bottom of the inning.  Williams was running for Jared Bales who doubled to lead off the inning.

Long Beach tied the game with a solo homer by Michael Paul over the left center field wall in the top of the sixth inning. 

Bearcat Reliever Timmy Maloney struck out the side in the bottom of the sixth to keep the score at 2-2.

Long Beach took the lead in the top of the seventh scoring two runs on a Maroon Tide throwing error and a bases loaded

infield single to take a 4-2 lead.

Picayune got two runners aboard in the bottom of the seventh, but Bryce Ladner's fly ball to deep right field was snagged by

Long Beach's B.K. Hammonds to end the game.

Jake Riser had two singles for the Maroon Tide and also turned in sparkling defense at second base with numerous plays

ranging to his left as well as being involved in two ground ball double plays.

Picayune (13-2, 9-1) and Long Beach (13-5, 9-1) are tied for first place in Region 8-4A after splitting their two games and

the run differential being equal by virtue of Picayune's 3-1 win at Long Beach earlier this week. 

Long Beach will play St Stanislaus, currently in 6-2 in Region play, on Tuesday and Wednesday while Picayune will play

Poplarville on Tuesday and Friday. The outcome of those four games will more than likely settle the final standings in

Region 8-4A.