By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Landon Sims drove in Randall Bonds to lead Escambia Academy past Abbeville Christian, 8-7, last Saturday (March 20), despite being outhit 12 to 7 by the Generals.
The Cougars got things started early in the first inning when Randall Bonds knocked one out of the park during the first pitch of his at bat. Bonds’ homerun drove in 1 additional run and EA held a 2-run advantage. During the third inning, the Generals got things started, scoring 2 runs. The Cougars answered back with a Caleb Davis flyball to left field that drove in Christian Crook. Davis found home plate by a Bonds’ line drive to right field and Brady Howell drove in Bonds on a flyball to left field. At the end of the scoring frenzy, EA held a 5-2 advantage.
Abbeville attempted to close ground on the Cougars during the top of the fifth, scoring 1 run. EA answered in the bottom of the inning with 2 runs from Sims and Sam Fields, who both scored off errors. Despite a 7-3 command, the Generals created a scoring rally during the top of the sixth, scoring 4 runs and tying the game at 7 each. During the bottom of the sixth inning, Bonds reached base after being hit by a pitch. Bonds helped set up the winning run after stealing second and advancing to third on an error by the Abbeville shortstop. After reaching third, Sims grounded to centerfield, driving in Bonds for the tie-breaking, winning score.
Bonds led the team in scoring with 3 runs and Crook followed with 2, but also led the way in stolen bases with 3. As a team, EA tallied 10 stolen bases, and 4 players stole more than once. Davis, Sims and Fields all registered 1 score each.
Davis gained the win on the mound for EA, lasting 6 innings, allowing 12 hits and 7 runs while striking out 5 batters. The Generals had 12 hits, and the Abbeville pitcher allowed 6 hits and 5 runs over 3 innings with 3 strikeouts.
No comment was provided by EA head coach Mike Sims.
The Cougars will next host Wilcox Tuesday, March 30, after a lengthy break.