Cascade slips past Eagles

CLAYTON -- South Putnam's baseball team outhit Cascade on the road Tuesday, but it wasn't enough to net a win for the Eagles, who dropped a 5-4 decision on the road.

The Eagles scored all four of their runs in the top of the third and held a 4-1 lead heading into the fourth inning.

But the Cadets struck back in the fourth, plating three runs in the inning and knotting the contest at 4-all.

Both teams' bats were quiet in the fifth, but Cascade scored in the bottom half of the sixth to take a one-run lead. That one run was all the Cadets would need, as the Eagles weren't able to stage a rally.

zWith Tuesday's defeat, South Putnam's record in the West Central Conference falls to 2-2.

Despite the loss, the Eagles played well Tuesday. The South Putnam bats connected for eight hits, including three for extra bases.

SPHS Coach Matt Griswold said he is happy with his team so far, especially considering the strength of the WCC this season.

"This is how everybody thought this conference would be," said Griswold. "It's been very competitive with a lot of close games."

Marcus McKinney took the loss for the Eagles. He came on in the fifth and pitched the final three innings of the game, surrendering the deciding run in the bottom of the sixth.

Griswold added that his pitching will be one of the Eagles' chief strengths this season.

"We're continuing to pitch well each game. That's been a consistent quality," said Griswold. "We're improving each game. The number of hits is going up, and the number of errors is going down."

South Putnam's junior varsity team picked a win over the Cadets 7-6 Tuesday. Chris Tanner got the win on the mound, and Adam Hammond recorded a double. It was the Eagles' lone extra base hit.

The Eagles will take the field again Thursday when they'll host Eminence at 4:30 p.m.

At Cascade

South Putnam -- 004 000 0 -- 4 8 2

Cascade -- 100 301 X -- 5 7 2

P -- Chesnut, A. Nees (4), McKinney (5) and McCallie (SP), Mink and Austin (CA)

WP -- Mink

LP -- McKinney

2B -- Hopper, Davidson (SP)

3B -- Hicks (SP)

JV -- South Putnam won 7-6. Chris Tanner was the winning pitcher, and Adam Hammond hit a double.

Next Game -- South Putnam will face Eminence at home Thursday beginning at 4:30 p.m.