Latta v. Academic Magnet, May 5, 2018

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Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
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The Latta Vikings varsity team came on top 7-5 over Academic Magnet Raptors in varsity baseball 2A lower state playoffs held in Latta on Saturday, May 5.
After holding the Raptors scoreless in their first at-bat, the Latta Vikings came out swinging and on fire offensively in the bottom of the first inning and placed 5 runs on the scoreboard. However, the bats soon cooled, and the Raiders went to work and placed a run on the scoreboard in the top of the third inning. However, Latta responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the third. Each team scored a run in the sixth inning. The Raptors added 3 runs in the top of the seventh inning.
Latta connected for 11 hits in the game while Academic Magnet garnered 9 hits.
Dylan Brewer connected for a home run plus 2 singles, 2 rbi, and scored 2 runs in his 4 at-bats while Pierce Watson also connected for a double, 2 singles, 2 rbi, and scored a run in his 4 at-bats for the Vikings. Jordan Hayes also garnered a double, a single, a rbi, and scored a run in his 3 at-bats. Jackson Powers picked up 2 rbi and a single in his 3 at-bats. Russ Rogers connected for 2 singles and scored 2 runs in his 4 at-bats. Deonte Stanley had a single in his 4 at-bats. John Malcolm George garnered a walk.
M. Windom connected for 3 singles and a run in his 4 at-bats for Academic Magnet while E. Bean managed a double, walked twice, and scored a run in his 4 plate appearances. Will Jordan garnered a double and a rbi in his 4 at-bats. J. Hosley connected for a single, a rbi, and scored a run in his 4 at-bats. S. Holderness garnered a single, a walk, and scored a run in his 4 plate appearances. L. Freudenheim had a single and a rbi in his 4 at-bats. E. Fewell garnered a single and scored a run in his 4 at-bats.
Latta was perfect on defense and did not commit an error while the Raptors committed only 1 error.
Noah Henderson started on the mound for Latta. He pitched 3 and 2/3 innings and allowed 2 hits, 1 run that was earned, walked 3, and struck out 2. However, Hunter Sawyer picked up the win. He pitched 3 and 1/3 innings and allowed 7 hits, 4 runs that were earned, walked no one, and struck out 1.
Steve Holderness was the starting pitcher for Academic Magnet. He was charged with the loss. He pitched 3 and 2/3 innings and allowed 9 hits, 6 runs that were earned, walked 1, and struck out 3. M. Windom pitched 2.1 innings and allowed 2 hits, 1 run that was not earned, walked no one, and struck out 1.
Latta has won 21 games and lost 7 this season.
Latta will host a game on Wednesday, May 9, in the lower state championship round against an opponent and time to be announced.