CLASS 2A : Harris’ big bat, strong arm lift Parkers Chapel
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/225410/
PINE BLUFF — Shane Harris is having a tournament to remember.
For the second day in a row, the Parkers Chapel sophomore hit a grand slam and drove in six runs as the Trojans routed Carlisle 11-1 in Saturday’s quarterfinals of the Class 2 A state tournament at Taylor Field.
Harris was also the Trojans’ winning pitcher Saturday, allowing only four hits while striking out five in the five-inning victory.
“It was a good outing,” said Parkers Chapel Coach Mark Looney of Harris’ pitching efforts. “We needed that outing too. Shane’s been our No. 3 man in our rotation all year long and he told me he wanted the ball today.... He did a good job.”
With Harris going the distance Saturday, the Trojans will have their top two pitchers senior Jake Atwell and junior Tyler Cameron — available for Monday’s semifinal game against Woodlawn, which will be a rematch of last season’s state title game. Parkers Chapel (32-6 ) plays Woodlawn at 4 p. m. at White Hall High School. Dierks (23-6 ) and Hampton (14-14 ) will meet in the second semifinal.
Carlisle center fielder Collin Torian led off the fourth inning with a home run to left field, but it was the only run the Bison (17-8 ) could manage off Harris. Torian’s home run is the only earned run the Trojans have allowed during the regional or state tournaments.
Harris, who hit a grand slam in Friday’s 14-0 first-round victory over Riverside, hit a twoout, two-run double in the first inning. His grand slam in Saturday’s fourth inning also came with two outs.
The Trojans have had no problems with offense in the state tournament. Parkers Chapel has scored in all nine of its at-bats. Against Carlisle, the Trojans had at least two hits in every inning but the third.
Leadoff batter Tyler Cameron was 3 for 3 with an RBI double. His first at-bat lasted nine pitches before he ripped a single to left.
“He set the tone [Friday ], too,” Looney said. “He took the second pitch of the game and knocked it out of the park. He had a nine-pitch at-bat to start this one off. Cameron is one of the best ballplayers I’ve ever coached. He’s a special player and he’s got a bright future when he graduates from Parkers Chapel next year.”
Second baseman Dylan Shields brought the game to an early end when he doubled home two runs in the bottom of the fifth.
“We’re hitting up and down the lineup and that’s what it takes to win this time of year,” Looney said. “As long as we keep putting up 11 or 12 hits a game and getting the good pitching performances from our starters, I like our chances.” Carlisle...................................... 000 10 — 1 4 2 Parkers Chapel............................. 212 42 — 11 11 0 Hart, Hillman (4 ), Reid (5 ) and Perkins; Harris and Morgan. W — Harris. L — Hart. HR — Carlisle: Collin Torian; PC: Shane Harris. DIERKS 9, POYEN 8 Drew Walston was 3 for 3 with a home run, a double and 4 RBI as the Outlaws held off a late rally by the Indians (20-6 ). Trailing 9-7 in the seventh inning, Poyen loaded the bases with one out. Cameron Holland pulled the Indians within a run with a sacrifice fly, but Outlaws reliever Cody Chandler got Dustin Johnson to fly out to right to end the game.
Chandler and David Bray each had two hits for the Outlaws. Dierks..................................... 302 101 2 — 9 10 4 Poyen...................................... 010 006 1 — 8 6 1 Walston, Bray (6 ), Chandler (7 ) and J. Simmons; Johnson and Thaxton. W — Bray. L — Johnson. HR — Dierks: Drew Walston. WOODLAWN 16, JUNCTION CITY 12
The Bears (31-5 ) overcame a 9-2 deficit to down the Dragons (26-13 ).
Shawn Spakes, Jordan Spakes and Tyler Rushing each had three hits for Woodlawn. Jordan Spakes drove in a team-high three runs. Tyler Walker, the last of three Bears pitchers, picked up the victory.
Jordan Hammett, Mark Wood and Dustin Franklin hit home runs for Junction City. Junction City............................. 033 321 0 — 12 9 6 Woodlawn.............................. 011 941 x — 16 16 6 Hammett, Cook (4 ), Owens (4 ), Wayman (4 ), Darden (6 ) and Wood; S. Robinson, D. Robinson (3 ), Walker (5 ) and Poss. W — Walker. L — Wayman. HR — JC: Jordan Hammett, Mark Wood, Dustin Franklin. HAMPTON 7, NORPHLET 6
Matt Belin’s line-drive single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Jack Stokes from second base to give the Bulldogs a victory over the Leopards.
Josh Blackledge hit a two-run home run for Norphlet. Norphlet.................................. 200 002 2 — 6 12 0 Hampton.................................. 006 000 1 — 7 9 2 Hogue, Hargett (3 ), Blackledge (7 ) and Goodwin; Coker, Lucas (6 ), Stokes (7 ) and Lucas, Coker (6 ), Lucas (7 ). W — Stokes. L — Blackledge. HR — Norphlet: Josh Blackledge.