Lions Lose Heartbreaker to McKenzie

BY JIM STEELE

Pressbox1@gmail.com

McKenzie scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to squeeze past visiting Dresden Monday afternoon, 9-8.

McKenzie was lucky to win, having committed nine errors.

Dresden took an early 2-0 lead, only to watch the Rebels score eight unanswered runs through the first four innings. The Lions got busy in the fifth, sixth and seventh to knot the score at 8. The Lions scored three in the sixth.

For the Lions, Tanner Thomas tripled and drove in two runs. Jayden Dolack doubled in a run. Tanner Thomas had a hit and two RBI, while Trey Eddings doubled. Dresden only managed four hits in the game, but took advantage of McKenzie's largesse.

McKenzie broke out the bats for 12 hits. Jake McDaniel, Jackson Cassidy and Tate Surber each homered for the Rebels. McDaniel also doubled. Nolan Renfro and Hayden Hixon each doubled for McKenzie. Braden Birmingham cracked a triple for the Rebs.

Ryeson Greer worked six innings, gave nine hits, two walks and two strikeouts for the Lions, but did not factor in the decision.

Same for McKenzie starter Cassidy, who worked six innings, allowing three hits, one walk while striking out eight. Ty Anderson worked two innings, striking out three to collect the victory.

Friday, at Dresden's Wilson Park, McKenzie dispatched the host Lions 11-0.

The Rebels rapped out 14 hits, led by Jake McDaniel, who homered, singled and drove in three runs. Tate Surber was 3-4 with a double and an RBI. Hayden Hixon was 2-4 with a double and two RBI. Nolan Renfro had two hits and two RBI while Braden Birmingham singled in a run. Ty Anderson and Colin McLearin each singled.

Nick Turnbow, Parker Williams and Jayden Dolack each singled for Dresden.

McDaniel worked five innings, striking out five for the victory. Tatum Oliver was the pitcher of record for the Lions.