FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Thompson High School baseball team opened the 2011 season with a pair of wins over Cullman and Hartselle on opening day.

In the first game at Cullman, the Warriors (2-0) played long ball to crush the Bearcats 14-0 in a five-inning game that ended by the mercy rule. Junior right fielder Andrew Smith led Thompson at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs.

Smith hit a solo homerun to lead off the second inning and followed with a grand slam in the third inning. Junior first baseman Tyler Gamble and senior catcher Chad Collum also hit back-to-back homeruns in the third inning, as the Warriors went on to pound out 11 hits. Gamble hit a two-run homer and Collum followed up with a solo shot.

Senior left hander Jonathan Keller (1-0) earned the win after pitching four shutout innings and allowing two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.

In the nightcap, Thompson traveled up the road to Hartselle to take on last year’s Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A state runner-up.

The Warriors’ bats stayed hot and Thompson scored early and often to coast to a 10-1 victory.

Senior center fielder Matt Haskins lead the way at the plate by going 2-for-2 with four RBIs, including a blistering three-run homerun down the left-field line in the third inning.

The Warriors pounded out 14 hits as Michael Schofield, Gus Williford, Andrew Smith and Alex Henderson also drove in runs for the Thompson.

Senior left hander Mason Morris (1-0) got the victory after going four innings while allowing only one hit with one strikeout and two walks. Junior pitcher Aron McRee and senior pitcher Trent Harper pitched well in relief for the Warriors.