By Jacob McCoy
The DeQuincy Tigers played the Oak Grove Tigers last Tuesday in the Division 4 Non-Select State Semifinals which was a rematch of last year’s state championship game.
Oak Grove jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. However DeQuincy would strike back in the top of the 2nd when Rahley Royer rips one into left field to score 2 runs to tie the game 2-2. Then a couple of batters later Carson Rainwater knocks one into centerfield picking up an RBI standup double which would score 2 more runs to give DeQuincy a score of 4-2.
Oak Grove would make a 1 run game in the bottom half of the inning off a DeQuincy error but that would be all DeQuincy allowed in that inning. The Tigers left the bases loaded in the top of the 3rd and couldn’t produce any runs from it which was very crucial in this game.
Oak Grove would tie the game in the bottom half of the 3rd and it would remain 4-4 until the bottom of the 4th. Oak Grove took a one run lead when James Harris hit one to left field to put Oak Grove ahead 5-4. It would stay that way until the top of the 7th with DeQuincy down to their final out. On a 2-2 count, the pitch gets away from Oak Grove’s Tanner Duff and Turner Rodriguez steals home on a passed ball to tie the game up 5-5 and keep DeQuincy’s season alive!
Unfortunately in the bottom of the 7th with a runner on 1st for Oak Grove and no outs Spencer Foster lays down a bunt to the 3rd baseman. The throw to first was off which allowed Foster to be safe at first then attempt to steal 2nd. The Tigers first baseman then attempts to throw Foster out at 2nd but overthrew the second baseman. The ball rolled into the outfield which would allow the lead runner for Oak Grove to score from 3rd and end DeQuincy’s season in gut wrenching fashion.
Carson Rainwater and Turner Rodriguez both pitched and combined 6 strikeouts.
Rainwater went 1-4 with 2 RBIs, Andrew Dowden went 2-4, Quentin Pharris went 1-2, Hayz Hext went 1-3, and Rahley Royer went 1-3 with 2 RBIs.
Congratulations to Coach Brady Carlson and his staff on another great season!
Thank you to our two seniors Shiloh Cotlong and Quentin Pharris for all of the blood, sweat, and tears you guys have put into this program these past four years. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and you both been key parts to the success that the Tigers had and definitely a pivotal part in raising the standard of the program! You guys will both be very missed and we wish y’all the best of luck on your future endeavors. You guys are DeQuincy Made!
Oak Grove 6, DeQuincy 5
