Post 70 15u team downs Wiregrass Sports Academy

Strong bats and strong pitching usually makes for a good day on the baseball diamond.

The formula proved true Wednesday night for the Troy Post 70 15-and-under team, as it jumped out to a big lead early and cruised to an 8-4 win over the Wiregrass Sports Academy at Riddle-Pace Field.

15u head coach Tripp Calhoun was proud of his team for their performance.

“We had a couple of bad mistakes on just a few certain plays that made it look worse than it was,” Calhoun said. “Overall, I think we played well. I don’t think the scoreboard really does us justice tonight. We have a couple of things to sure up, but overall it was a really good night for us.”

Charles Henderson led 4-3 entering the bottom of the fourth, before exploding for four runs in the frame with two outs.

Graham Wilkes and Clayton Kelly ripped back-to-back singles to start the rally, and Grant Hughes drew a walk to load the bases for Charles Henderson product Devan Suddith.

Suddith sent a frozen-rope liner to center to plate two runs. An RBI single off the bat of fellow Trojan Charlie Tisdale and a run-scoring bloop shot followed his line drive to center from Carson Tucker, another home-gown Troy player.

In total, Post 70 pounded out nine hits, with only one going for extra bases.

“We swung the bats pretty well today,” Calhoun said. “We got some big bunts down, moved some guys over and then got them in. That is what it all about, and we were able to capitalize on some of their mistakes today.”

Edge Branum came off the bench late to close the game out on the mound. Branum struck out the side in the top of the seventh to seal the Post 70 win.

“Edge has done a great job for us so far,” Calhoun said. “I don’t think he has given up a run yet. He comes in and throws strikes, and that is all you can ask for. All of our pitchers have attacked the zone well, and done their best to hang zeros.”

The Troy Post 70 15u team will head to Tuscaloosa this weekend to take part in the Tuscaloosa Post 34 Invitational Tournament.