The Kennedale Wildcats (18-7-1, 7-2) who were in sole possession of first place in district 6-3A are now tied for first again after a 6-2 loss to their district nemesis Mineral Wells (16-10, 7-2).
Mineral Wells who has swept the Wildcats this season had all the answers Friday night behind the pitching of Braxton Allen who struck out 11, walked two and only gave up two hits. Braxton held Kennedale scoreless over 6 innings. {{more}}
Austin Eggleston took the loss for the Wildcats. He allowed six runs in six innings, walked three and struck out nine. In ever pitcher?s nightmare, Eggleston had a rough first inning when the Rams put the game on ice early, scoring 5 runs. However after the first, he allowed only one run, walked one and struck out 7.
Two runs in the top of the seventh helped the Wildcats close their deficit to 6-2 but it was too late and too little. The one out rally by Kennedale started after a throw out at first (Michener on a dropped ball 3rd strike). Kennedale then when on to load the bases with a single by Josh Taylor, a walk (Aaron Williams) and a ground ball by Ryan Box recorded as an error (Mineral Wells). A fielder’s choice on a ground ball by Shane O?Connor scored Taylor but Box was out at second. A passed ball then scored Williams. Braxton got his last strike out to end the game leaving O’Connor stranded.
Kennedale plays their final game of the regular season against Springtown at Springtown. Springtown?s record before last night?s game was (13-12-1, 5-4). Springtown needed a win last night or a win on Tuesday against Kennedale to secure the 4th playoff spot in District 6-3A. Kennedale needs the win to stay in first place. Mineral Wells faces second place Castleberry on Tuesday night in their final game.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E KNDL 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 1 MNRL 5 0 0 1 0 0 6 7 4 L: Austin Eggleston
HBP: Austin Eggleston
WP: Austin Eggleston
Pitches-Strikes: Austin Eggleston 114-72
Groundouts-Flyouts: Austin Eggleston 3-3
First pitch strikes-Batters faced: Austin Eggleston 20-29