By JOSH FRYE
News Sports Writer
J.U. Blacksher pitching ace Landon Mura and four relievers were roughed up by T.R. Miller’s Tigers, who took a 12-0 win in the April 1 return from spring break for both teams.
Mura pitched only one inning, striking out three batters while walking one. The right-hander allowed three runs on two hits in the single frame of work as Coach Justin Mixon divided the mound duties.
“This was our first game back from a long break,” Mixon said. “We were very rusty and didn’t play very well. That is all my responsibility, and the boys know we have just a few days to get ready for area play.”
Mixon said the loss is just a step in the team’s growth.
“There will always be ups and downs in baseball and it will be important for us to rebound quickly,” Mixon said. “We have a lot of great kids who play hard for one another and I feel confident that they will rebound quickly.”
The Bulldogs were especially rusty at the plate, where they managed seven hits but could not bunch them together.
Tucker Spence had a single; Damon Rolin was hit by a pitch and had a single; Mura and Peyton Wilkins each doubled; Will Brown was hit by a pitch, and Jayce Sells contributed a single.
Mixon said the team would put the loss behind them and try to prepare for the postseason.
“I am very proud of my team, and we are looking forward to rebounding and producing in area play,” he said.
Blacksher will travel to play Elberta this Thursday, April 4, at 4 p.m.