Bulldogs take storm-shortened win over Indians
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
By MITCH LUCAS sports@kilgorenewsherald.com

RYAN'S EXPRESS - Kilgore pitcher Ryan Heimer (right) makes a pitch to a Jacksonville batter during Tuesday night's District 12-4A game between the two. Kilgore left with a 1-0 win, a storm-shortened game that was halted in the bottom of the fifth due to lightning. Heimer was the winning pitcher. Below: Danny Sharp records an out at first base. KHS is 8-5 overall this season, 2-1 in 12-4A play, and hosts Pine Tree Friday at 6 p.m.

A win is a win is a win, even if it is garnered in the driving rain, and a shortened game.

Kilgore claimed a 1-0 win over Jacksonville Tuesday night at Driller Park, a surprisingly well-played game on defense, considering that much of it was played in a hard rainstorm. The game was halted during the second-at bat of the bottom of the fifth inning by the umpire, who ruled lightning was too close for the game to continue.

UIL rules dictate that games must go into a delay period, and after that period, the umpire believed there was no way the game could be finished Tuesday night. UIL rules also state that if the game reaches the middle of the fifth inning (and the game isn't tied), it can be designated a complete game, thus Kilgore gets the 1-0 win.

Photos by Lester Murray

That moves the Bulldogs to 2-1 in District 12-4A play, with Pine Tree coming to Driller Park on Thursday night, a 6 p.m. start.

Kilgore broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning. With an out already on the scoreboard, center fielder Andrew Ector legged out a triple, then scored on a wild pitch during an at-bat by third baseman Trace DeBerry. DeBerry would reach when he was hit by a pitch by Antwone Johnson, but the Indians got out of the inning - Johnson struck out Steven McBryde, then Chris Dudley grounded out to the pitcher.

Kilgore players made a pair of spectacular defensive plays that helped keep the Indians from even getting on base in the top of the fourth. Trevor Moon made a running catch - not easily done in the rain - in left field to rob Frankie Almandaro of a hit, and then Danny Sharp snagged a line drive at first base, hit by Cody Davlin, then stepped on the bag to record the second out. Chase Evans caught a fly ball to right field to end the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Kilgore pitcher Ryan Heimer recorded a pair of strikeouts, walked a batter and allowed a single, then notched another strikeout to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fifth, just about the time the lightning moved closer, Moon had a single, and Ector had a 3-2 count on him when the umpire stopped the contest.

For KHS, Jared Alexander had a single, Ector had the triple, and Moon had a single - those were the only Kilgore hits of the game. Heimer went the distance. He allowed two hits early, then settled down. He struck out four and walked two.

Johnson took the loss for Jacksonville.

Following Thursday's game against Pine Tree, the Bulldogs visit Hallsville on Tuesday, then host Henderson next Friday.

Kilgore High School is coached by Jeff Blackstone - Blackstone is assisted by Ronnie Lee Garvin and Ronnie Hendrix. Blackstone is in his second year as head coach.