After facing unprecedented challenges from the recent tornado that damaged their home fields, the Beggs Golden Demons showed their determination Monday with a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Holland Hall. The team demonstrated that their focus, teamwork and love for the game remain unshaken, turning in a performance that highlighted both resilience and skill.
Beggs jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. A Holland Hall error allowed the Demons to score their first run, and a fielder’s choice produced two more, giving Beggs a 3-2 advantage after the opening frame. The offense continued in the top of the second when a single by Landon Helt brought home another run, extending Beggs’ lead to 4-2.
The Demons kept their momentum rolling in the top of the third inning. A fly out by Owen Holland scored another run, while further pressure at the plate and on the bases increased the lead to 6-2. Beggs added insurance in the fourth inning with a well-timed RBI from Ethan Davison, and a final run crossed in the seventh inning on a clutch single by Owen Holland, closing the scoring at 8-6.
Jerrett Hammer earned the pitching win for Beggs, delivering six innings of solid work. The starter allowed eight hits and six runs, only three earned, while striking out two and walking four. Hammer also made five defensive plays, helping keep Holland Hall in check. Relief pitcher Kash Coale shut down the final frame, pitching one inning of scoreless ball with a strikeout, preserving the Demons’ lead. Holland Hall starter Carson Ward absorbed the loss, giving up seven runs, three earned, on five hits over five innings while striking out six and walking seven.
At the plate, Hammer led Beggs with two hits in five at-bats from the leadoff spot. Landon Helt, Dallas Wilson, Ethan Davison and Owen Holland also contributed key RBIs, with Wilson and Davison each driving in two runs. The Demons tallied six total hits, with Hammer, Helt, Wilson, Davison and Holland providing consistent contact. Aggressive baserunning played a major role, as Hammer and Helt each stole two bases, helping Beggs move runners into scoring position. Overall, Beggs drew ten walks and executed one double play, while committing no errors on the field. Holland Hall fought back with timely hitting of their own. Koysen Fredieu and Rowan Stirling each collected two hits, and Ward and Aiden Burleson drove in two runs apiece to keep the game close. Fredieu added two stolen bases for the home team, contributing to a total of four steals by Holland Hall. Despite the offensive output, the Demons’ early lead and steady pitching proved decisive.
The victory showcased Beggs’ ability to combine patience at the plate with opportunistic baserunning. Multiple players contributed throughout the lineup, while Hammer’s leadership from the mound and in the field provided stability for the team. The Demons’ defense was sharp all game, highlighted by the team’s single double play and error-free performance.
Looking ahead, Beggs will return to action over Spring Break when they travel to Gulf Shores, Ala. to compete in the annual Gulf Coast Classic.
— Beggs falls to Holland Hall at Connors State home game The Beggs Demons faced Holland Hall on Tuesday in their first home game of the season, played at the Connors State College complex due to the recent tornado that devastated Beggs’ athletic fields. While the Demons fell 6-2, the team showed determination and effort throughout the game, keeping the contest close against a strong Holland Hall squad.
Holland Hall struck first in the top of the first inning. Rowan Stirling led off with a single down the left-field line, followed by a fielder’s choice by Trey Burleson that brought both runners home, giving the visiting team an early 2-0 advantage. The Demons were held scoreless until the bottom of the fifth inning, when Jerrett Hammer and Landon Helt came through with key hits, driving in Dayson Sparkman and Kash Coale for Beggs’ only two runs of the game.
The Golden Demons battled hard to narrow the gap, keeping Holland Hall from extending their lead for several innings. However, the visiting team regained momentum in the top of the fifth and seventh innings, scoring two runs in each frame to bring the final tally to 6-2. Despite the loss, Beggs’ players demonstrated resilience, focusing on fundamentals and taking advantage of every opportunity at the plate.
Beggs amassed six hits on the day, led by Jerrett Hammer’s two-hit performance. Landon Helt, Dallas Wilson, Ethan Davison and Owen Holland each added one hit, contributing to a consistent offensive effort. Hammer and Helt’s hits in the fifth inning directly drove in the team’s runs, showcasing the ability of the lineup to respond under pressure. While no extra-base hits or stolen bases were recorded, Beggs’ batters maintained patience and made solid contact, consistently putting the ball in play against a disciplined Holland Hall pitching staff.
On the mound, Beggs starter Landon Helt pitched five innings, surrendering five hits and four runs, striking out five and walking one. Relief pitcher Ty Woods entered to close out the final inning, allowing a single run on one hit with no walks and one strikeout. Holland Hall starter Rowan Stirling delivered a strong performance, giving up three hits and two runs over six and one-third innings, striking out 12, while reliever Cohen Senford finished the game allowing two runs on no walks in twothirds of an inning.
The Demons’ defense was solid throughout, recording one double play and committing no errors. Jerrett Hammer made the most plays in the field with five, helping to keep Holland Hall from scoring additional runs and giving Beggs multiple chances to stay competitive in the game.
Coach Cody Pair praised his team’s effort despite the difficult circumstances. “We’re proud of how our players responded today,” Pair said. “The tornado has forced us to play away from our home fields, but our athletes remain focused and committed. They showed determination and teamwork, and we will continue to build on this performance.”
Beggs will return to action over Spring Break with a trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they will compete in the annual Gulf Coast Classic. The team looks to use these games to fine-tune their play and gain momentum before returning to their home fields later in the season.
Even in the face of adversity, Beggs’ players and coaches have demonstrated that their spirit and focus cannot be shaken. Playing at an alternate site, the Golden Demons fought to represent their school with pride, showing that the challenges off the field will not deter their effort on it.
