The Morris Eagles showcased their offensive capabilities in consecutive road games this week, but defensive miscues and big innings by their opponents proved costly as they fell to the Moss Pirates on Thursday and the Weleetka Outlaws on Friday.
— Moss 9, Morris 4
Despite outhitting the Moss Pirates eight to six, the Eagles were unable to overcome early errors and fell 9-4 Thursday in Weleetka.
Morris wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, plating a run in the top of the first inning when Jax Finch delivered an RBI single. The Eagles continued to apply pressure with timely hitting, but defensive struggles quickly shifted momentum.
Moss capitalized on a Morris error in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game at 3-3. The Pirates then took control in the second inning, using another Eagle miscue along with an RBI groundout by Dillon Robinson to grab a lead they would not relinquish.
Landon Martin got the start on the mound for Morris, working five innings while allowing seven runs – only three of them earned – on five hits. He struck out one and issued five walks.
Offensively, Morris was led by Emmett Mote and Martin, who each recorded two hits. Micheal Elam drove in a team-high two runs, while Martin also made an impact on the basepaths with three stolen bases. As a team, the Eagles swiped four bags and turned a double play defensively.
Moss, meanwhile, took advantage of its opportunities. The Pirates showed patience at the plate with seven walks and aggressive baserunning, racking up 10 stolen bases. Heston Nolen led that charge with five steals. Moss also played a clean defensive game, committing no errors.
— Weleetka 10, Morris 9
Friday’s matchup proved even more frustrating for Morris, as the Eagles again outhit their opponent – this time nine to five – but came up just short in a 10-9 loss to the Weleetka Outlaws.
Jax Finch delivered a standout performance at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double and multiple RBIs. His efforts helped spark a strong offensive showing that nearly resulted in a comeback victory.
Weleetka jumped out early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Morris responded in the second, taking a 3-2 lead behind an RBI double from Dayton Andrews and a two-run single by Finch.
However, the game turned dramatically in the bottom of the third inning when the Outlaws erupted for seven runs on just two hits. Aggressive baserunning played a key role, highlighted by a steal of home from Kellen Sheneman.
Trailing 9-3, the Eagles refused to go away. Morris mounted an impressive rally in the top of the fifth, scoring six runs on four hits. Shaunry Thom- as drove in two runs, while Landon Martin, Finch, Jake Hurt and Jaret West each contributed RBI efforts during the surge.
Keaton Carnes took the loss for Morris after allowing nine runs (eight earned) over two and onethird innings. Despite the early deficit, the Eagles continued to battle throughout the game.
Morris collected nine hits, with Dayton Andrews adding two hits in three at-bats. The Eagles were aggressive on the basepaths once again, stealing eight bases, with both Finch and Hurt recording multiple steals.
Weleetka matched that aggression and then some, piling up 17 stolen bases in the game. Jonah Roberts led the Outlaws offensively with two hits, while multiple players contributed RBIs in a balanced attack.
