Lady Cats Softball Team Ends Season With Heartbreaking Loss in Regional Quarterfinal Series Friday
Hallsville 3, Lady Cats Softball 2 (9 Innings)
The Lady Cats’ softball team lost a heart breaker Friday, losing 3-2 to Hallsville in the bottom of the ninth inning of game two in a regional quarterfinal series at Grand Saline Friday, May 10. Hallsville also won game one, 4-2 in the series Thursday evening at Grand Saline.
On Friday, Hallsville took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning without the benefit of a base hit. They used two walks, a fielder’s choice, a sacrifice and an error to get on the board.
The lead lasted until the Lady Cats took the lead scoring twice in the top of the sixth inning. Brinklee Driver led off the inning with a home run over the left field wall. With one out, Sadie Stroud walked and Abbi Baier came in to run for her. Sierra Smith singled and Baier went to second. Baier then stole third base. Smith took second on an infield out by Addison Caddell. Baier stayed at third. Maddie Millsap’s single scored Baier and apparently Smith.
Hallsville claimed Smith failed to touch home plate and the home plate umpire agreed calling Smith out. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo argued the call but, to no avail. KSST video appears to show Smith touching home base. When the dust settled, the Lady Cats led 2-1.
Hallsville got a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game 2-2. A walk and an error set the table and a single scored the run.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth when Hallsville won it. They had a walk, a sacrifice, a ground out and a soft single that landed fair just over the infield in shallow left field.
The Lady Cats outhit Hallsville 10-4 but left nine runners on base. Bailey Haggerty took the hard luck loss pitching 8 2/3 innings allowing four hits, three runs only one which was earned with two strikeouts and six walks. Driver, Stroud, Smith and Nylah Lindley all had two hits apiece. Stroud hit two doubles. Millsap and Kelsey Wallace also had hits.
The Lady Cats end the season with a 26-8 record. They were again district champions and also won bi-district and area round series.
Ten seniors played their last Lady Cat game: Kelsey Wallace, Brinklee Driver, Sadie Stroud, Sierra Smith, Bailey Haggerty, Maddie Millsap, Landri Bell, Tessa Holt, Abbi Baier and Darby Williams.
* Update: Identity Of Man Who Died After Being Struck By A Train Released
Sulphur Springs Police Interim Chief Jason Ricketson identified the 51-year-old Sulphur Springs man who died at the hospital Friday evening from injuries sustained when he was struck by a train as William Wilemon.
According to Ricketson, officials responded at 5:14 p.m. May 10 on South Locust Street at the railroad tracks to what was reported as pedestrian versus train crash.
After arriving, police discovered the 51-year-old man had been struck by an eastbound train while pushing a bike north over the railroad tracks. Wilemon was transported to the hospital, where he died a short time later Friday evening, Ricketson said.
SaDavia Porter Runs at State Meet Friday Night, Plus Some Sports MVP’s
Briefly in sports, Lady Cat track sprinter SaDavia Porter will compete at the State Track Meet Friday night (May 10), weather permitting. Porter will run in the Class 5A 100-meter dash at UT Austin beginning at 7:05 p.m. Porter will run in lane one in the nine athlete field.
Without a main SSHS athletic banquet this year, each sport is having their own gathering and their MVP’s are being announced.
Wildcats Golf Coach Chris Owens announced Friday that his team’s MVP is senior Carter Lewis. Lewis will be playing college golf at UT Tyler.
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey announced his team’s MVP’s earlier this week. Selected were senior defender Alli Stephens and senior forward Keeley Hudgins.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report May 1-7, 2019
May 1 st
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 7:28 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 86, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace was notified and no autopsy was ordered.
- At 8:47 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2320 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2944 near Alba, at approximately 9:47 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to Winnsboro St. in Quitman, at approximately 10:05 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2610 near Mineola, at approximately 10:31 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2157 near Quitman, at approximately 10:46 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burning.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 11:20 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to Little River Bend near Quitman, at approximately 11:21 a.m., in reference to theft. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2169 near Quitman, at approximately 11:50 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2132 near Quitman, at approximately 12:25 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lloyd St. in Yantis, at approximately 2:53 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:15 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Brian Bishop, 63, of Quitman, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated Third or More.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 49 near Mineola; at approximately 8:35 p.m. Joe McClenny, 39, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:49 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1912 near Yantis, at approximately 9:35 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1912 near Yantis, at approximately 10:55 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
May 2nd
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately 2:17 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3940 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:41 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 8:07 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
- At 12:30 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4627 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:42 p.m., in reference to a fire. Winnsboro Fire Department extinguished the fire. This case is active.
- At 4:50 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Alba.
- At 5:05 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2774 near Mineola; at approximately 7:06 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 7:46 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located and transported the individual to the hospital.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4878 near Winnsboro; at approximately 11:13 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2245 near Mineola, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Center St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 11:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
May 3rd
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:16 a.m. Cristy Jones, 36, of Quitman, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2260 near Mineola; at approximately 12:24 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 778 near Hawkins; at approximately 2:03 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Alba, at approximately 6:55 a.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor stole a firearm from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 8:41 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Yantis.
- At 10:08 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3120 near Quitman.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:22 p.m., in reference to theft on FM 852 near Winnsboro. Deputies determined this to be a civil matter.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4539 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:00 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Jason Bearden, 40, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.
- Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 2:10 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole a stove/oven from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 2:16 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 69 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:09 p.m., in reference to a disturbance where an assault occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5551 near Alba, at approximately 5:54 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- At 8:20 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1660 near Alba.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 1801 near Mineola; at approximately 8:43 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
May 4th
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1792 near Yantis, at approximately 12:04 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 6:26 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- At 9:05 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:21 a.m., in reference to harassment. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2230 near Mineola, at approximately 1:26 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Bobby Boswell, 47, of Mineola, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family/Household Member by Impeding Breathing/Air Circulation with Previous Conviction.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1336 near Yantis, at approximately 1:27 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Michael Smith, 38, of Quitman, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family/Household Member by Impeding Breathing/Air Circulation.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3860 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:42 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
- At 4:11 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2700 near Mineola.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3812 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:16 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole the reporting party’s tires. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5174 near Quitman, at approximately 8:22 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:14 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Robert Taylor, 69, of Hawkins, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
- Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook point, at approximately 11:07 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
May 5th
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 12:58 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 5:41 a.m., in reference to fraud. Actors, or actors unknown, placed a card skimmer on one of the gas pumps. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- At 8:56 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 1660 near Alba.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:43 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies made contact with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- At 1:28 p.m., cows were reported out on PR 5980 near Yantis.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 1647 near Winnsboro, at approximately 5:52 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole livestock from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4215 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:12 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies spoke with the homeowner and everything was OK.
- At 9:18 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 852 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:44 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies were dispatched to Highway 154 near Yantis, at approximately 11:06 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Dylan Reed, 21, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
- At 11:34 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 17 near Alba.
May 6th
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3873 near Mineola, at approximately 1:58 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2647 near Mineola, at approximately 2:02 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
- At 8:03 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
- At 9:09 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4930 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3270 near Quitman, at approximately 10:55 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A known actor took the reporting party’s vehicle without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:24 a.m., in reference to harassment on FM 1801 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
- At 11:55 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 12:06 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 1:38 p.m., in reference to theft. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 4:25 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole the reporting party’s wallet. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 3450 near Hawkins, at approximately 4:48 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 2745 near Mineola, at approximately 5:29 p.m., in reference to shots fired. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4137 near Quitman; at approximately 7:02 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 1336 near Quitman; at approximately 7:17 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 4930 near Quitman, at approximately 10:10 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:04 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:37 p.m. Ronald Smauley, 51, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
May 7th
- At 1:51 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3120 near Quitman.
- Deputies were dispatched to CR 1570 near Alba, at approximately 3:20 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
- At 7:21 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 8:16 a.m. Calvin Murphy, 31, of Mineola, was arrested for Resisting Arrest Search or Transport and an outstanding warrant.
- Deputies were dispatched to PR 5567 near Alba, at approximately 10:11 a.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they were separated for the day.
- Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2088 near Quitman; at approximately 2:02 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to Elmwood Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 4:22 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
- Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Mineola; at approximately 7:06 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
- Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Mineola, at approximately 8:07 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
- Deputies were dispatched to Kiowa near Quitman, at approximately 10:09 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and they were separated for the night.
- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Glazner St. in Hawkins; at approximately 11:29 p.m. David Pruitt, 63, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
- Between the dates of May 1 and May 7, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Wood County Game Wardens and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
- Between the dates of May 1 and May 7, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 2 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals.
Additional activity
- Total Jail Count – 108 inmates – 90 males and 18 females.
Reminders from Sheriff Castloo
If you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Listener witnesses a dog sitting on the side of the road.
Around 3:00PM Friday, May 10, 2019, a concerned listener called in to KSST radio to report seeing a spotted chihuahua wearing a red collar. The small dog was seen at Nelta sitting on the side of the highway. The caller did not provide any other details at this time.
8th Annual SSHS BBQ Build Off Well Under Way Friday
Teams from nine school districts got a real world taste of fulfilling a work order, setting up and beginning their entries in the rain at the 8th Annual Sulphur Springs High School BBQ Build Off Friday morning.
“The contest simulates a real job site, which can mean dealing with the weather,” SSHS ag mechanics teacher John Luper said Friday morning.
As long as the weather doesn’t become dangers, the contest continues.
Students are given the same materials, bring their tools and, after a brief consult with their teacher, work from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. constructing a barbecue smoker on their own.
The contest allows the students to utilize the skills they’ve learned in class. It also teaches them to make think on their feet, problem solving and making adjustments as they work, depending on how the project goes, as one would at a work site. This helps students develop and hone valuable soft skills that can one day translate to the job market, according to Luper.
SSHS provides materials, purchased using entry fees paid by school competing in the contest and donations from generous community sponsors. Tommy Williams cut the pipe for the smoker and the SSHS agriculture students do the rest of the preparation work.
“The kids cut the rest with the plasma cutter. They run it through and palletized it for the competition. They were out here putting pallets out about 7 this morning,” said Luper.
Funding from the entry fees also go to help provide prizes for the contest winners, goodies they can use with welding provided in a welding bag.
Joining the SSHS team in the build off are teams from Rivercrest, Como-Pickton, Lone Oak, Bland, Miller Grove, Sulphur Springs, Rains, Commerce and Greenville high schools. Most of the schools have entered teams in the contest annually; Greenville is returning for the first time in the last few years.
Teams are also invited to bring to bring a fifth team member who will barbecue items to be judged on the grounds at the contest. This year two teams are competing for honors in the cooking event.
“We are thankful to our sponsors, Matheson Tri Gas, Flowserve, Seitz Fundraising, Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op, Alliance Bank and Guaranty Bank and Tommy Williams. Their support makes this possible. We are appreciative to the Cats Culinary. They will provide cooking for a fajita lunch for our teachers, local staff and sponsors,” Luper said.
The horn will sound officially ending contest, with entries judged at 2 p.m., regardless of what stage of completion the project has reached.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed On Marijuana, Weapon Charges
An interstate traffic stop Thursday night resulted in location of marijuana and a handgun, and one arrest, according to police reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams reported stopping a Ford Fusion on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 116 for speeding, traveling 84 miles per hour in a 75 mph speed zone.
Matthew James Crayton, 28, of Yantis was found to be in possession of marijuana and a Glock handgun, resulting in his arrest on the charge, Williams alleged in arrest reports.
Consequently, Crayton was arrested at 9:13 p.m. Thursday for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and for unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to arrest and jail reports.
Crayton remained in the county jail at noon Friday. His bond was set at $5,000 on the marijuana charge and $2,000 on the weapon charge, according to jail reports.
SSPD: Lack Of License Plate Leads To Traffic Stop, 2 Arrests
Lack of a front license plate resulted in a traffic stop, location of contraband and two arrests Thursday evening, police reports noted.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Justin Findley reported stopping a Ford F150 occupied by at least two men on Hinnant Street at Texas Street for not having a front Texas license plate.
Jason Anthony Alkire of Sulphur Springs allegedly showed signs of nervousness by his voice and hands shaking. He was asked to step out of and walk behind the truck, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Justin Findley reported.
Lt. Eddie Moon, who assisted on the call, reported finding contraband at the rear of the pickup. A bag of suspected methamphetamine was allegedly found on the ground, police noted in arrest reports. Consequently, Alkire was arrested at 6:42 p.m. Thursday for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and tampering with evidence, according to arrest reports.
The other occupant of the truck, a 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man,
was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia, Findley alleged in arrest reports.
Alkire remained in the county jail Friday morning. His bond was set at $10,000 on the tampering with evidence charge and $5,000 on the controlled substance charge. The other man was released from the county jail Friday morning, according to jail reports.
Lady Cats Softball Struggle With First Game Of Quarterfinal Playoffs
Lady Cats Softball on Brink of Elimination After 4-2 Loss to Hallsville Thursday
If the Lady Cats’ softball team is to advance in the playoffs, they will have to win a doubleheader against Hallsville at Grand Saline Friday evening. The Lady Cats are on the brink of elimination after losing game one of their regional quarterfinal series, 4-2 Thursday (May 9) at Grand Saline. The Lady Cats fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning and were never able to catch up. The Lady Cats scored a run in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to 2-1. The Lady Bobcats added two more runs in the top of the sixth to go up 4-1. The Lady Cats got a run in the bottom of the sixth to get to within 4-2 but that turned out to be the final score. Hallsville outhit the Lady Cats, 6 to 4. The Lady Cats committed two errors. Bailey Haggerty took the pitching loss for the Lady cats going all seven innings allowing six hits and four runs, with only three of them earned. She struck out six and walked three. Four Lady Cats had one hit: Brinklee Driver, Alli Fite, Nylah Lindley and Kate Womack. Addison Caddell and Sadie Stroud drove in runs. Stroud and Abbi Baier scored a run apiece. The Lady Cats season record is now 26-7. Game two of the series takes place Friday at Grand Saline at 5:30 p.m. If the Lady Cats win game two, the teams will play a third game in the series Friday night after the second game.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Baseball Win Over Joshua
Wildcats Baseball Opens Area Round Series with 3-2 Win Over Joshua at Prosper
The Wildcats’ baseball team won their eighth straight game as they opened Area round play Thursday (May 9) with a 3-2 win over Joshua at Prosper on a cold, windy night. The Wildcats got solid starting pitching from Will Sims, shut down relief pitching from Pacen Edwards and timely RBI hits from Kolson Hale and Jaxon Chaney to get the win. The Wildcats struck first scoring a run in the top of the third. After two were out, Jake Davis walked. Kaden Argenbright singled and Hale’s singled scored Davis. Joshua evened the score with a run in the bottom of the fourth. The Wildcats scored two big runs in the top of the fifth. Joshua ace Matt Haley had a hard time throwing strikes in the inning and after getting an out, he walked four straight batters: Edwards, Davis, Argenbright and Hale. During the string, a pitch got away from the catcher and Edwards tried to score from third but was tagged out at home. Chaney, hitting with the bases loaded, singled into left field scoring Davis and Argenbright and the Wildcats led, 3-1. The bottom of the seventh had lots of drama. The Owls led off with a double and a single that produced a run and reduced the lead to 3-2. Edwards replaced Sims and got his first hitter to hit into a double play. Edwards walked the next better but closed the game with a strikeout to earn a save. The Owls outhit the Wildcats, 6 to 5. Will Sims got the pitching win going six innings allowing two runs and six hits striking out one and walking none. Edwards threw an inning allowing no runs or hits while striking out one and walking one. Kaden Argenbright was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Hale, Chaney and Kamren Harrison had one hit each. The Wildcats improved their season record to 18-10. They play game two in the series against Joshua Friday at Prosper at 7 p.m. with a chance to wrap up the series.
