EUPORA — The Columbus Nationals had to work overtime Tuesday.
Pushed to the brink by the rival Columbus Americans and teased by a weather delay, the Columbus Nationals persevered and defeated the Columbus Americans 7-6 in the final game of the Dizzy Dean 12-year-old state tournament at Gary Park.
The victory earns the Columbus Nationals a spot the World Series, which will be played later this month in Southaven. The Columbus Americans also qualify for the tournament.
“Every kid on this team made smart decisions and outstanding plays during the tournament,” Columbus Nationals coach Tommy McCullough said.
There were several key moments for the Columbus Nationals in the final three innings. The team scored five runs in the fourth inning to take the lead. In the fifth, with the go-ahead run at the plate and a runner on third base with one out, a line drive to the first baseman Luke Yarbrough and a throw back to the third baseman Brandon Jones got the squad out of the inning.
Kyle Cook”s clutch pitching at the end of the game was key to the victory.
The teams had to overcome rain and lightning that came through the area and kept them off the field for close to an hour during the first game, McCullough said.
McCullough said having talented and coachable kids and supportive parents helped the team realize its goal.
“I was also surrounded by an outstanding coaching staff, led by Harold Pounders,” McCullough said. “These coaches had more knowledge and experience about coaching than I did. They did a great job managing the team. I was just there to support the coaches and the players.
“We had one parent who kept telling the kids, ”Winners want the ball.” Thankfully, we had the kids respond.”
The Columbus Americans, who beat Caledonia 10-3 in the first game of the day, defeated the Columbus Nationals — the only undefeated squad remaining in the event — 9-8 in the day”s second game to force the winner-take-all title game in the double-elimination tournament.
“It was extremely competitive,” McCullough said of the matchups against the Columbus Americans. “We had friends on the other team, and it was an exciting experience.”
McCullough also feels the fact the team said the Lord”s Prayer before every game helped bring it closer together.
The Columbus Nationals defeated Tupelo 10-1, Mathiston 8-6, East Central 10-0, and the Columbus Americans 12-11 in the sixth inning.
Team members are: Kyle Cook, Jones, Jake McCullough, Carson Forrester, Cole Griffin, Dalton Ford, Dylon Mason, Yarbrough, Thomas Stevens, and Drew Pounders. Tommy McCullough is the head coach. Harold Pounders, Sonnie Yarbrough, Ashley Stevens, Dennis Jones, and Cody Pounders are assistant coaches.
The Columbus Americans are: Kobe Harcrow, Malik Henry, Kendré Conner, Laquinston Sharp, Jamel Thomas, Deonteau Rieves, R.J. DeLoach, Gregory King, Robert Brown, Terry Rowzee, and Deonteau Wright. Jamie Sharp is the team”s head coach.
Caledonia”s loss to the Columbus Americans in Tuesday”s first game capped a 5-2 finish at the tournament. Coach Mike Unruh”s team beat Ackerman, lost to East Central to fall into the losers” bracket, defeated Greenwood and Macon on Sunday before rallying to beat East Central and Ackerman on Monday.
Unruh was especially proud of his team for its comeback against East Central. Caledonia trailed 11-2 early in the game but rallied in extra innings for a 16-15 victory in marathon that lasted more than three hours.
“They played great,” Unruh said. “We had a few errors and we didn”t really hit the ball the way we would have, but you have games like that. The Columbus Americans have a good team. We made a few errors that maybe could have been the difference in the game.”
Unruh said the comeback against East Central epitomized the fight his players showed all tournament. He said his team could have easily given up trailing by nine runs and knowing one loss would end its tournament run.
“They fought tough,” Unruh said. “They came up short that last game, but they always believed they could win.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.