Long Beach prevails 4-1 over 'Yune

by Carey Meitzler

Long Beach--Timmy Maloney pitched another gem for Long Beach allowing his Bearcats to advance to the South State

Finals after their 4-1 victory over Picayune in Game 3 of their series at Mike Rutledge Stadium.

Picayune got a leadoff single from Braxton Lee to start the game and moved him to third base on a sacrifice bunt and a

sacrifice fly, but were unable to score the run.

All photos by Jill Lee

Braxton Lee rounds first base after starting the game with a single to left field.

Long Beach got three in the bottom of the first when Koby Ross singled and moved up on a Maroon Tide error. 

Michael Paul blasted his 10th homer run of the year on an 0-2 curve ball over the left center fence for a 3-0 lead.

Picayune had runners in the second and third innings, but couldn't score against the stingy Maloney. The Maroon Tide

went in order in the fourth.

Drew Hedgepeth (right) completes his relay throw to first to complete a 6-4-3 double play in the first inning.

In the fifth, Braxton Lee singled to start the inning and would eventually scored on Brandon Jurich's fielder's choice grounder.

After the Maroon Tide was retired in order by Maloney in the sixth, Long Beach got another run in the bottom of the inning

on Garrett Larosa's home run to left center for a 4-1 lead.

Picayune (13-15) went in order in the seventh to end the game.

Maloney scattered six hits, struck out four, hit a batter, and did not issue any base on balls.

Jonathan Hickman suffered the loss allowing six hits, recorded two strikeouts, and walked two batters.

Long Beach (19-11) will advance to play West Jones for the South State Championship slated for

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (if necessary).  West Jones defeated Wayne County in Game 3

on Monday to advance.

Brandon Jurich takes a lead off first base in the fifth inning.

Maroon Tide Nation watches at Long Beach.