HUNTINGTON- Needing a win to stay alive in the Little League state Tournament, the Central Greenbrier 10U all-stars got exactly that as they held on late for a 7-6 victory over a scrappy team, Elk District, on a scorching hot day in Huntington.
The first three innings of the game were scoreless until Elk District put up two runs in the top of the fourth frame on an RBI groundout and a run scoring error.
However, never a team to panic, Central Greenbrier answered in the bottom half in a big way.
Colt C started with a walk, then Mace D doubled to right field to put runners on second and third with no outs. Two batters later, Maddix D knocked an RBI single to cut Elk District’s lead to 2-1. Brayden E then followed with an RBI double that also plated another run on a throw in. The CG lead extended to 4-2 on Keenan A’s single and then got to 5-2 on a Wyatt B double that capped the innings scoring.
With Central ahead 5-3 going into the bottom of the fifth, Tucker C led off with a single and Beckett M walked. Colt C then laced a 2-run double that would turn out to basically be the difference in the game.
Elk District had cut the lead to 7-6 with a furious rally to start the final inning. But with Elk runners on first and second and two outs, Keenan A got the final strikeout as CG held on for the must win victory.
Beckett M was solid for Central Greenbrier on the mound throughout. He pitched 5.2 innings, allowed seven hits, and five earned runs, and was credited with the win. He was also 1-2 at the plate with a run scored.
Colt C and Wyatt B each went a perfect 2-2 on offense. Colt scored a run and drove in two more and Wyatt had one RBI. Brayden E finished 1-1 with a double, a run scored, and two batted in. Maddix D also drove in a run for CG.
Central Greenbrier is right back in action on Sunday, July 6 when they face another elimination game against Logan. First pitch is scheduled for approximately 2:00 PM.
