The Waynesville Warriors, sponsored by American Legion Post 331 and the 40/8, won the Springfield Catholic Tournament this past weekend, going 2-1 and swinging some hot bats along the way.
During Saturday’s first round in pool play, the Warriors played Catholic, getting a 10-9 win courtesy of a late-inning home run from Kevin Jones. It was his first homer of the summer and capped a 2-for-4 game for him.
Dustin Doyle started the game, but it was a team effort as five different pitchers contributed. David Faulkner ended up getting the win.
In the nightcap on Saturday, the Warriors had another close game, this time falling 7-6 to Plato.
Matt Hesteness started the game, going five innings and striking out eight, but Doyle took the loss.
Doyle and Lee Lamphear both went 2-for-3 at the plate while Nick Munoz knocked in two runs.
Despite losing the second game Saturday, the Warriors still advanced the championship game Sunday by virtue of winning the tiebreaker, fewest runs allowed.
The Warriors won the tiebreaker and advanced to play Marshfield in the championship game.
This time, they wouldn’t need any late-inning heroics or nailbiters, as they capped the tournament with a 17-7 victory in five innings.
They got big contributions at the plate in that game from Doyle, who went 2-for-2, with two walks, four RBIs, four runs scored and a stolen base.
Patrick Holt went 1-for-4 but knocked in three. David Faulkner went 2-for 3 with two RBIs and Jones went 3-for-4, also with two RBIs.
Jones also started the game and earned the win, but only went two innings.
Through seven games, the Warriors are 5-2.
Hesteness leads the team at the plate in most categories. He’s hitting .611/ .708/ 1.111 (AVG/ OPB/ SLG) and has 15 RBIs. He and Jones are tied for the lead in hits, with 11, and both have one home run apiece.
Faulkner also has a homer.
Seven pitchers have appeared in games this summer; Doyle leads all of them in ERA with 0.78 ERA through 9 innings of work and a 1-1 record.
Hesteness leads the team with 15 strikeouts.
The Warriors will play next at Lebanon on Wednesday. It will be a doubleheader, with games at 6 and 8 p.m.
For complete stats, scores and the schedule, visit: http://www.WaynesvilleWarriors.com/
