First National Bank deposited another notch in the win column Tuesday night to finish the regular season undefeated in 7-8 boys coach pitch baseball at Milner Recreation Center.
In a high-scoring slugfest, First National emerged with a 17-13 victory over Panter Nursery heading into the single-elimination tournament which starts Friday.
There was plenty of action on the base paths and a steady flow of runs crossing home plate as both teams hit the ball hard.
Panter Nursery showed it was serious about winning by jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first. First National responded with 8 runs in the bottom of the first as Chandler Thaxton, Aiden van Vuuren, and Brody Stockling all belted triples.
Bentley Lafevers then iced the cake with a blast to right field. Bentley put on his wheels and sped around the bases for a home run as First National went ahead, 8-5.
Despite the offensive fireworks, there was some defense on display. First National pitcher Easton Dyer made a snazzy play on a grounder then chased down Tucker Tate who appeared like he might score from third.
Panter Nursery pitcher Braylen Ferrell decided to show off his glove too. Ferrell reached over his head to catch a hard line drive for an out. He followed that play by scooping up a grounder and making a perfect throw to 1B for another out.
Rawley Gilispie led the scoring for First National with 3 runs. Scoring 2 runs each were Easton Dyer, Wyatt Tanner, Chandler Thaxton, Colton Todd, Aiden van Vuuren, and Brody Stockling.
Panter Nursery came to play and was led offensively by Tucker Tate with 3 runs. Scoring 2 runs each were Turtle Laxon, Kolton Pennywell, and Urijah Merriman.
By virtue of winning the regular season with an undefeated record, First National gets a first-round bye in the single-elimination tournament. First National is scheduled to play Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Panter Nursery will have its first tournament game Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Chance Von Dette/ Edward Jones.
Solomon Consulting 10
MPC Signs 0
In the nightcap Tuesday, Solomon Consulting finished the regular season strong with a 10-0 shutout over MPC Signs.
The win ensures Solomon Consulting of the No. 2 seed in the tournament. The team will face Outdoor Shop on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in first-round action.
With Solomon Consulting playing smothering defense, the team didn’t need many runs. Power hitter River Alford made sure Solomon Consulting had enough.
River scored 3 runs for the game, including a home run and a double. Knox Underhill scored twice.
MPC Signs will face Fully Loaded in its first tournament game. That matchup is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. Games are played on Hoover Millraney Field.
