After an easy 15-0 win over Madison, the Wolverines faced a different situation on Thursday, March 14 as they took on Asheville Christian Academy (ACA).

It was like a scene out of a baseball movie; 8-10 scouts (pro and college) pointing their radar guns at the 6’ 2” – 6’ 3” opposing pitcher as he warmed up. There was a buzz in the stands as to how fast he was throwing, with 90-plus mph being the consensus.

It appeared it might be a long afternoon for the Wolverines; especially after one of the first ACA batters ripped a double down the left field line. But the Wolverines showed a composed yet aggressive style of play that secured the win. Seniors Dylan Turner (starting pitcher), Alec Philpott (2-3 with two doubles and one RBI) and Jordan Brown showed their leadership; making big plays in key situations and the younger players made timely contributions as well.

Coach Ty Stott summarized the game.

“We faced a good team with a great pitcher, we had a lot of scouts here to see him (Bailey Clark) and he did not disappoint,” Stott said. “(But) we manufactured some runs, (played) scrappy and tough and made the most of our opportunities.

“They (ACA) left some runners on base, that’s because we tightened up on defense and Dylan tightened up. He ended up going a complete game.”

In terms of their aggressive base running coach Stott felt the situation dictated the approach. “We took a lot of chances tonight, but with a pitcher like that you have to be aggressive, you don’t know how many chance you are going to get,” he said. “So if you get thrown out a few times that’s the way it goes. He is going to strike out a bunch of hitters… you’ve got to manufacture some runs.”

Coach Stott cited a good example, “Jordan Brown had a huge push bunt that really sparked us. Dylan (later) knocked in the go-ahead run then scored a “tack on” run.”

Turner scattered eight hits, gave up two runs, had zero walks and had five strikeouts. Clark allowed six hits, four runs, had zero walks and struck out nine.
Polk plays tonight, Tuesday, March 19 at home against Mitchell and takes on Avery at home Friday, March 22.