Laurel 9, West Jones 7

Senior pitcher Tyler Caldwell gave up five runs in the first two innings, but stifled West Jones from that point. Caldwell held the Mustangs without a hit for the final three innings and only two hits in the final five frames.

West Jones opened the game by roping four doubles in the first inning and scoring three runs. Rahn Tew, Chase Headrick, Garrett Moore and Stephen Smith all doubled to give the Mustangs a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first, Laurel’s Sam Sanderson reached on an error, advanced to third on a pair of fielder’s choices and scored on Cory France’s RBI single to left.

The Mustangs went up 5-1 in the second. Tew and Headrick drew walks and Smith drove in Tew with a single. Headrick later scored on an error.

Laurel, who scored in every inning but the sixth, scratched for a run in the second. Brett Perry walked, took second on a passed ball, went to third on a wild pitch and scored when Brett Moss walked with the bases loaded.

The Mustangs went up 6-2 in the third. Hunter Jefcoat led off with a double, Tyler Gardner walked and Tew sacrificed the runners a base each. Traice Hill’s ground out scored Jefcoat.

The Tornadoes pulled within 6-4 in the bottom of the third. With nobody on and two outs, Micah Green walked and Perry doubled into right-center. Hunter Wyrick then delivered a two-run single to center.

West’s final run came in the fourth. Stephen Smith walked and Andrew Jones singled to right. Smith would score on a wild pitch to make it 7-4.

But Laurel would sent 10 batters to the plate, score four runs and take the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth. Moss and Hunter Ford each walked with one out. France then reached on an infield single. The ball was throw away, allowing Moss to score. Caldwell then reached on a fielder’s choice when the Mustangs could not throw out Ford who was caught in a rundown between third base and home plate.

Green then walked to force in Ford and make it 7-6. France then scored on a passed ball to tie it up. Wyrick’s infield hit off of reliever Headrick scored courtesy runner Darian Bester and gave Laurel an 8-7 lead.

Laurel got an insurance run in the sixth when Moss walked, stole second, took third on a wild pitch and scored on France’s ground out.

Perry doubled and singled for the Tornadoes, while Wyrick singled twice, drove in three runs and reached base four times. France singled twice and also made several crucial scoops at first base. Moss also singled.

Smith doubled and singled for the Mustangs, while Tew, Headrick, Moore and Jefcoat singled. Jones had a single.

Caldwell went the distance, gave up seven hits, struck out seven and posted the victory.

Moore started, went 3 1/3 innings and was charged with the loss. Headrick finished up in relief.

After losing to Wayne County, Laurel ends the year at 14-14. The Mustangs end the season at 12-14.