By Jake McCoy
On Thursday, May 8, the DeQuincy Tigers hosted the Vinton Lions in the Division IV Non-Select quarterfinals. The Tigers quickly made a big statement with the bats as they would score two runs in the first inning to set the tone of the game. They would score three more in the second inning and put the game on cruise control. They would score four more in the fourth then one in the fifth to walk off run rule the Lions and punch their ticket to Sulphur for a third consecutive year.
Carson Rainwater was 1-3, Noah Pettifield was 1-2, Turner Rodriguez was 1-3 with 2 RBIs, Andrew Dowden was 1-2 with an RBI, Nolan Schrader was 1-2 with 2 RBIs, Diron Valentine was 1-3 with an RBI, Hayz Hext was 1-3, and Rowdy Griffin was 1-2.
Carson Rainwater was magnificent on the mound going the distance only allowing 3 hits and 2 walks while recording 5 strikeouts. Notably keeping his pitch count respectably low as he only threw 66 pitches in the game which means his arm will be fresh for the state tournament if needed along with the arms of Rodriguez, Valentine, Schrader, and Grant Rainwater.
DeQuincy 10, Vinton 0
