Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
June 14, 2003
Section: Sports
Edition: Final
Page: C1
DUNBAR REACHES STATE
BULLDOGS NEED RALLY IN SIXTH TO ADVANCE
Mike Fields, Herald-Leader Staff Writer
Paul Dunbar is headed to Applebee’s Park for the state baseball tournament, but the Bulldogs needed a late-inning rally to earn the trip across town.
After beating Russell County in the first game of the best-of-three semi-state series Thursday night, Dunbar blew a 3-0 lead in the seventh inning and lost 4-3 in last night’s opener.
That forced a third game, and the host Bulldogs found themselves down 5-2 in the sixth.
No problem. This madcap Friday the 13th would turn out to be a delight, not a disaster, for the No. 1-ranked team in the state.
Craig Dunn’s three-run double in the bottom of the sixth capped a six-run outburst that carried Dunbar to a dramatic 8-5 victory.
“I’m exhausted,” said a giddy Dunn, the semi-state’s MVP. “After 14 innings of ball, I’ve got nothing left.”
Dunbar Coach Mickey Marshall wasn’t surprised Dunn delivered in the clutch.
“He’s Mr. Productivity,” Marshall said.
Also coming up big in the sixth were Brett Hunt (leadoff single), Kevin Paddock (RBI single), Robby Ward (pinch-hit double), Drew Bennett (bases-loaded walk) and Dustin Morrow (RBI double).
The victory puts Dunbar (38-4) in the state tournament where it will face either Heath or Webster County Wednesday night at Applebee’s Park.
Matt Byzet (9-0) turned in a gritty pitching performance. He went the distance, striking out nine and retiring the last seven batters he faced.
“Matt fueled the fire with the fire he showed on the mound,” Marshall said.
Russell County couldn’t continue the magic it showed in last night’s opener. In the second game the Lakers ran out of experienced pitchers.
“We left a few runners on base early, and if we could’ve gotten them in it may have been enough to hold on,” Russell County Coach David Rexroat said.
“But I’m proud of these guys. Any time you beat the No. 1 team the way we did, you have to be proud.”
* Russell County 4, Dunbar 3: The never-say-die Lakers, who rallied in the late innings to win the 12th Region semifinals and finals, did it against Dunbar.
“I don’t know what it is, we just always seem to kick it in in the late innings,” said Tyler Cochran whose two-run single sparked Russell County’s four-run rally.
Bulldogs starter Robby Reeves blanked the Lakers through six innings, but after he gave up a leadoff single to Josh Bennett in the seventh, he was pulled.
Corey Hager, Dunbar’s closer who hadn’t pitched in more than three weeks, came on in relief, and the sky fell in on the Bulldogs.
A walk and infield hit loaded the bases, and Cochran delivered a two-run single to make it 3-2.
After Victor Wooldridge singled to center to load the bases again. Ryne Thomas’ infield hit tied the score.
Joe Huckaby attempted a squeeze bunt, but the ball dribbled only a few feet. Dunbar catcher Kevin Paddock grabbed it and stepped on the plate for one out.
Paddock then wheeled and fired to first trying to get a double play, but nobody was covering the bag. Paddock’s throw sailed into right field, allowing Victor Wooldridge to scamper home with the winning run.
Lakers ace Chris Grider (10-1) earned the win. He went the distance and gave up four hits. He had nine strikeouts.
Paul Dunbar 100 011 0 — 3 4 0
Russell County 000 000 4 — 4 9 2
Robby Reeves, Corey Hager (7) and Kevin Paddock. Chris Grider and Tyler Cochran. W–Grider (10-1). L–Reeves (6-2). 2B–Craig Dunn (PD), Dustin Morrow (PD).
Records — Russell County 27-10; Paul Dunbar 37-4
Russell County 004 010 0 — 5 7 1
Paul Dunbar 002 006 x — 8 6 4
Victor Wooldridge, Nick McGowan (6), Adam Blakey (6) and Tyler Cochran. Matt Byzet and Stanley Davis. W—Byzet (9-0). L–McGowan. 2B–Wooldridge (RC); Robby Ward (PD); Craig Dunn (PD); Dustin Morrow (PD). HR–Brett Hunt (PD).
Records — Russell County 27-11; Paul Dunbar 38-4
Inside
Rebels shut down Clark, move on
Boone County blanks Clark County twice to advance.
Franklin County stays alive in softball
Flyers beat Montgomery 3-1 in state tournament.
On Page C11
(1) by MARK CORNELISON STAFF – Victor Wooldridge scored the winning run for Russell County in front of Paul Dunbar pitcher Corey Hager in the last of the seventh inning. Dunbar rallied with a six-run sixth inning to win the third game of the semi-state 8-5. The Bulldogs will play in the state tournament next week.
(2) by MARK CORNELISON STAFF – Bobby Vyverberg of Paul Dunbar was tagged out by Russell County’s Zach Wilson while trying to steal. Russell County won 4-3, but Dunbar claimed a state tournament berth with an 8-5 win in the semi-state final.