Calhoun City took a 1-0 series lead over Hatley with a 2-1 victory on the Tigers home field Tuesday night.
Jaalen Thomas drew the start for the Wildcats and was nearly flawless through almost six innings of work. Jace Leachman entered the game in the sixth with two on and two outs and the Wildcats up 2-1. After a walk loaded the bases, Leachman struck out the next batter to get out of the jam. He then retired the side in order in the seventh to preserve the win.
This diving catch by Jaalen Thomas was one of several outstanding defensive plays by the Wildcats in Tuesday's win.
“Our pitching and defense was outstanding tonight and that’s what it will take to win this series,” Calhoun City Coach Josh Miller said.
Calhoun City broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the sixth when Jo Gray, who made a number of stellar plays at shortstop, led off the inning with a double. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jordan England up the first base line and then scored on a wild pitch.
The Wildcats will host game two of the best of three series Thursday night at 7 p.m.
If a game three is necessary, it would be back at Hatley on Friday.