By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Leaving runners stranded with the bases loaded a couple of times didn’t help Watauga’s 15-and-Under team on July 13, losing to a hard hitting Hickory squad, 9-3.
For best photo viewing on laptop or PC monitors, click on any image for Slide Show mode.
Watauga was aggressive on the base paths with six stolen bases, but simply didn’t have enough firepower to get runners on base to take advantage. The Watauga batters were patient, collecting seven walks.
The game only went six innings due to the Tar Heel League’s 2-hour time limit, rather than the full seven innings.
Both Watauga and Hickory had first round byes and played their first tournament game on Saturday morning instead of the night before because of inclement weather.
With loss, Watauga falls into the loser’s bracket of the double elimination Tar Heel League’s District 2, 15-and-Under tournament and will play next at 2 p.m. on July 13. Hickory advances with an unblemished record to the next round in the winner’s bracket, playing on July 13 at 4 p.m.
