BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Astros are the 2024 Martin County Cal Ripken champions after a five-run rally in the fourth inning propels them to a 7-4 championship win over the Outlaws on May 31 in Inez.
The following is a recap of last week’s tournament action:
Astros vs. Outlaws championship – The Astros entered the bottom of the fourth down 3-1 and scored five runs to lead them to a ring on May 31 at Frank Horn Field.
Brayden Hammond started it off for the Outlaws on a single. Brock Fields took first on a walk.
Kash Howell broke things open when he tripled and batted in both runners for a 2-0 lead.
Ryder Little slammed a double in the first to bring Beckam Spaulding home for the Astros.
The two teams played both sides of the ball and held each other scoreless in the second and third innings.
Howell rocked a single and scored on a teammate’s RBI for a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth.
The Astros broke the game wide-open on a five-run frame.
Little took a free bag on four balls. Standout athlete Parker Stafford hit into a fielder’s choice. Kaden McCoy, Jayce McCoy, Raylan Preston, and Kaiden Bertling were all awarded a free base.
Little continued to dominate and hit an in-the-park homerun in the bottom of the fifth.
Rocco Maynard, Hammond, Howell, and Kenton Patrick all managed a single. Howell plated another run, but the Astros closed them out for a 7-4 win.
Reds vs Outlaws – The Outlaws dominated the Reds 8-2 on May 29.
The Reds were looking up in the first when Gunner Broaddus and Davis Wilson scored runs to go up 2-0.
The Outlaws responded with Rocco Maynard leading off with a single. Brayden Hammond took a free bag at first. Mayson Phillips knocked a double and Kash Howell singled. All four players scored.
Bentlee Copley reeled off a single and the Outlaws went up 4-2.
The fourth inning saw the Outlaws extend their lead to 8-4. Copley belted out a three-bagger to begin the rally.
Chase Jude and Aidan Maynard received a free walk to first. Rocco fired off a double to score both and cross home on stolen bases. The Outlaws never looked back.
Astros vs. Outlaws – In a tight defensive matchup on May 28, both teams were held in check through the first three innings.
Two hits came from Astros players Ryder Little and Nolan Muncy.
Blaine Williams started the Astros’ engine when he rocked a single. Beckam Spaulding followed up with a two-bagger. Little walked and all three players came home for a score.
Mayson Phillips responded with a run of his own to pull the Outlaws within two.
Little was on the mound for the final stanza. He sent the first batter packing.
McCoy made a play at second for the second out.
Facing a consistent hitter in Outlaw Lyric Howell, Little was on the mound and looked at a full count.
Ryder fired in a pitch for the strikeout and a 3-1 closeout for the Astros.
Reds vs. Phillies – It was a slugfest for the Reds in an 11-0 win over the Phillies on May 28.
Gunner Broaddus, Davis Wilson, Patrick Carter, and Kace Fitch scored two runs each for the Reds.
Landon Parsley, Jonah Mills, and Brantley Marcum each crossed home plate.
Ian Mullins, Ryan Davis, and Jayden Fletcher all reach a base for the Phillies.
