In a game where offense reigned supreme, the Morris Eagles and Heavener Wolves put on a hitting clinic Monday, but it was the Eagles who emerged victorious in a 26-16 slugfest.
Both teams collected 14 hits in the high-scoring affair, with Morris using big innings to secure the win. The Eagles displayed patience at the plate, drawing an impressive 18 walks while also swiping 10 bases to pressure Heavener’s defense.
Heavener jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first after Kenneth Putman ripped a single down the left-field line to bring home two runs. However, Morris quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, plating six runs on just one hit to take a 6-2 advantage. The biggest blow in the frame came on a bases-loaded walk by Eli Grange, forcing in two runs.
The Wolves refused to go quietly, answering in the second inning with a six-run surge of their own, highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Spencer Clubb to grab an 8-6 lead.
The Eagles responded yet again in the bottom of the second, retaking control with an eight-run outburst. Drake Grogan provided the key hit, belting a three-run double to push Morris ahead 14-8.
Morris continued to pour it on in the third when Michael Elam’s RBI single made it 15-12. The offensive fireworks continued in the fourth, with the Eagles tacking on another eight runs on five hits. Jaret West, Grange, Landon Martin, Lance Clark, and R Ramirez all contributed RBIs in the inning to extend the lead to 23-12.
Drake Grogan had a big day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs to power the Morris offense. Clark led the team with three hits, while Grange and Martin each had multiple hits as well.
Morris’ aggressive approach on the base paths paid off, as the Eagles swiped 10 bases, with Dayton Andrews and Ramirez each stealing multiple. Defensively, the Eagles played a clean game, committing zero errors, with Grange making six plays in the field.
Heavener kept pace offensively, with Clubb leading the way with five RBIs. Willie Dehart was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, while Alex Armstrong, Brently Hash, and Canyon Ford each had multiple hits. The Wolves also displayed patience, drawing nine walks and stealing five bases.
Grange got the start for Morris, allowing six hits and eight runs over 1 2/3 innings while striking out one. Lance Clark, Michael Elam, and Ramirez provided relief, helping to hold off Heavener’s offense.
For the Wolves, Braxton Dugan started on the mound but struggled with command, giving up four runs without allowing a hit in just 1/3 of an inning.
The Eagles’ offensive explosion proved too much for Heavener to overcome, sealing the win in a wild game filled with big hits, timely walks, and aggressive base running.
