Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
It was the kind of game that doesn't roll around very often. It was the kind of game that, many years from now, older people and former players will say, “I remember that game.” Those who were fortunate enough to see it, and those who were even more fortunate to have played it, will have the game indelibly etched in their memories for a lifetime. It was a game the Cowboys won, 1-0, but the story of the game involves much more than the score.
It took place on Friday, March 26, on a near perfect evening for baseball. There was a slight breeze that kept many high-flying balls in play and sent others that would have been in play into foul territory. In the end, it wasn't the wind that made the difference, it simply came down to pitching. The score was tied at zero, going into the bottom of the seventh inning. The bases were loaded after Rhett Rutherford opened the inning with a line-drive double to left field. Apparently sensing that speed would be needed, Cowboy Coach Jason Fletcher sent former Cowboy quarterback and future Stetson defensive back R.J. Williams in to take Rutherford's place as a courtesy runner. Next up is Tyrece Pryor, who is hit by a pitch on a 2-1 pitch, putting runners at first and second. Next up to the plate is Jackson Kendrick with a plan to advance the runners, even if it means being put out himself. Kendrick bunts, but an error by the War Eagle pitcher allows Kendrick to safely arrive at first base, while the other base-runners advance; loading the bases. A relief pitcher came to the mound for the War Eagles. Parker Copeland is at the plate for the Cowboys with no outs. A walk-off base hit is all that is needed to win the game. The first pitch is a ball. The next pitch, Copeland swings at and misses. The next pitch; strike two swinging. Not to be deterred, the cool Copeland stood firm in the batter's box and carefully observed the next pitch as it left the pitcher's hand, the call – ball three. Now, with a full count, and a contest of nerves playing out in front of their eyes, those in the stands seemed to hold their collective breath as the next pitch was hurled toward the plate. A spontaneous cheer erupted as the umpire called out, “ball four!” Gavin Bass, who had been in the on-deck circle waved Williams toward home-plate. As Williams approached, Bass gave a gesture as if to welcome Williams home for the game-winning run.
The Cowboys only managed three hits during the ball game, with two of those by Rhett Rutherford. Copeland is credited with an RBI for his walk that brought Williams home.
Mitch Rutherford put on a defensive clinic, both on the pitcher's mound and with fielding the ball. On one occasion, a high pop-up was making its way to foul territory. Mitch, along with Bass and another Cowboy were on their way to make an attempt at catching the ball. Mitch made a diving catch to haul the ball in. A War Eagle base-runner had been at first and saw an opportunity to sprint to second base. Somehow, in a move that seemed to defy gravity, Mitch made it to his knees, spun around and threw a frozen rope to the second baseman, who easily tagged the base-runner out for a spectacular double play. Mitch gave up a total of three hits and three walks and struck out 12 batters.
The Cowboys will be at home on Friday, April 2, to take on Sneads High School. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.