with big offense and big D

By KEVIN PEARCEY

Sports Writer

GREENVILLE – Yesterday’s match up between Greenville and the visiting Pike County Bulldogs can be summed up simply in two words – No contest.

The Bulldogs tamed the Tigers with solid hitting and near perfect defense 12-1 and the Pike County coaching staff was more than pleased.

"I think this is probably the best hitting performance we’ve had all year," said PCHS head coach Fred Holland.

Pike County batters hit the ball at will, finishing with 13 hits on the day. Singles, homers, ground-rule doubles – you name it they launched it.

"I think the guys did an excellent job," Holland said. "They came in ready and it shows in their performance. I’m just proud of the way they all played and I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better job out of them."

With PCHS freshman Dee Price pitching a great game on the mound and the Bulldogs up 3-0 in the third, Elijah Daniels stepped up to the plate and basically drove a stake in the hearts of Tiger supporters.

Daniels rocketed a home run over the left field fence with two runners on and nobody out and Robby Price also scored in the inning to give Pike County a 7-0 cushion.

In the fourth some costly errors by GHS shortstop George Nick Autrey allowed a few more Bulldog batters to get on base. By the time the Tigers had managed to record three outs, Pike County had added five more runs and held an insurmountable 12-1 lead.

Holland said that the Bulldogs defensive performance in the game can be attributed to one thing, hard work.

"A lot of the guys have been working extra hard to try and improve defensively," he said. "Earlier this year, we started off making too many errors. I think with the games we’ve played, a lot of the players are gaining more and more confidence as we go along."

Next up for the Bulldogs will be a home match with Highland Home today at 3:30 p.m.