Fort Chiswell…The Fort Chiswell Pioneers scored eight runs in the first inning on their way to demolishing Bland Co. 17-2 in five innings. Tanner Bailey went the first three innings and gave up just four hits, one earned run and struck out five. At the plate, he went 4 for 5 scoring four runs and knocking in two. Aaron Crawford smacked a two run homer in the second on his way to scoring three runs and having four RBIs. Cody Burkes also knocked in four and scored a run. Dallas Beasley had three RBIs, and Leighton Dunford knocked in two and scored twice.

Bland Co. (3-14) scored their lone two runs in the top of third on hits by Austin Chewning, Jake Watters and a RBI by Dylan Jackson who knocked in Chewing . Watters would also score on an error by the Pioneers.

Fort Chiswell (17-1) scored not only eight runs in the first but pushed across third in the second and five in the third to put the game away. Bailey was relieved by Konner Rotenizer and then by Chance Davis.

Bland starting and losing pitcher was Watters who lasted only two-thirds of an inning. He struck two but walked four Pioneer hitters in a row. He surrendered six runs on just two hits.

The Pioneers have now won 12 consecutive games, with their only loss coming back on April 5 at Grayson Co. by the score of 3-0. Pioneer head coach Derrick Jackson said, ”I thought Tanner (Bailey) pitched real well for us. This was only his third start of the year. This was our third game in four days, and we have to play Grayson coming up. We got a lot contributions from our lower part of the lineup, and this isn’t the first time those guys have done that.” The Fort Chiswell bottom three in the lineup went 3 for seven, scored six runs and knocked in 10 in the game. They also drew three walks and had a sac fly. Very productive indeed.

Fort Chiswell will host the Grayson Co. Blue Devils today, with the first pitch at 5:00 pm.

R H E LOB

Fort Chiswell 17 16 3 8

Bland Co. 2 6 1 8

Fort Chiswell – WP- Bailey – (2-0)

Bland Co. – LP – Watters