Clayton News Daily

By Anthony Rhoads

The McDonough Braves lost 14-2 to the Old National Pirates in opening round action of the AABC Sandy Koufax (14 and under) State Tournament Tuesday night at Morrow-Lake City Park.

The first inning looked promising for the Braves as Anthony Poole led off with a double to left field.

Sam Johnson followed by getting to first on a fielder's choice. Poole, who had advanced to third base earlier on a passed ball, tried to come home but was tagged out at the plate.

Neil Hamel singled to score Johnson and Hamel scored when Andrew Glass grounded out. Hamel was the only Brave with multiple hits as he singled in the third inning.

McDonough led 2-0 after the first inning but the wheels came off in the second.

The Pirates scored eight runs in the second, two in the third and four in the fourth to take the victory. The game was called in the fourth inning because of the 10-run rule.

First-round action continues at Morrow-Lake City today as the Fayette County Timberrattlers play the Locust Grove Swampdragons at 6:15 p.m. The Morrow-Lake City Lookouts play the Fayette County Angels at 8:15 p.m.

The double-elimination state tournament continues through Sunday morning. The top two teams advance to the Southeast Regional, which starts July 15 at Morrow-Lake City.