FROM STAFF REPORTS

The 2013 Helena Middle School Baseball team went 31-3 and went undefeated in conference play on its way to a Southern Conference Championship.  The team opened the season with a 16 game winning streak before losing its first game.

HMS averaged almost 9 runs per game while only giving up 2.97 runs per game.

On the mound, twelve pitchers combined for a team ERA of 2.14.

Coach Bobby Cummings said he felt his pitching took charge of several games during the season.

“I was very proud that our pitching staff consistently attacked the strike zone forcing hitters to put the ball in play,” he said.  “Our pitching staff did a tremendous job of giving our team a chance to win every time they took the mound.”

Cummings went on to say his team’s defense allowed pitching to be so dominant.

“Defensively our team did a great job of making the routine plays and forcing opponents to earn their way to home plate,” said Cummings. “Sam Praytor and Nick Ragsdale were solid behind the plate.  Middle infielders Jake Busby, Landon Green, Reed Hereford, Jared Cleghorn and Richard Fitts provided consistency up the middle.

Corner players Brophy, Davis, Rosser, Cordrey, Bell and Featherstone were solid the entire year.  The outfield unit of Walker, Walton, Adams, Peoples, Rose, Landry, Erwin and Jolley all were solid in making routine plays as well as controlling the gaps.”