The Franklinton Demons baseball team opened their district schedule with a nice win over the Lakeshore Titans last Tuesday evening at Demon Diamond, winning 11-4. Prior to the game the Demons were ranked #7 in the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association polls of all 4A teams, while Lakeshore was ranked #5.
The Titans got out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second as they used to hit batters to put two runners on before a singled drove in a run. A fielders choice allowed the second run to score before the final batter was struck out.
The Demons retaliated in a big way in the bottom of the second as they scored four runs. Banyan Penton reached on an error to lead off the inning before Nathan Parden singled and Penton scored on a throwing error. Tryson Fowler reached on a fielder's choice bunt as Parden was also safe at home. Dillon Pace drew a walk before Rickken Burkhalter put down a perfect bunt to reach and load the bases. Micah Wascom then singled in two runs for the 4-2 lead.
The Titans stranded two in the top of the third before the Demons blew the game open with seven runs. Parden reached on an error before Ricky Burkhalter singled. Tryson Fowler put down another good bunt and reached base when the Titans elected to go home with the ball and try for the out there. A throwing error allowed two Demons to score for a 6-2 lead. Rickken Burkhalter then singled in Fowler before Wascom was walked. A passed ball allowed the Demons baserunners to move into scoring position before another passed ball allowed a run. Trevor Vise was walked to put runners on the corners. A perfectly executed delayed steal allowed the Demons to plate a run and move Vise to second. Will Turner was then walked before Parden was as well to load the bases for Rickken Burkhalter who was also walked and pushed in a run. A balk call then pushed in another run before a base runner was picked off to end the inning. The Demons lead 11-2 after this inning.
The Demons threatened in the fourth but couldn't score and the same in the fifth. The Titans left a runner on in each of the last four innings and managed to score one run in the fifth and seventh to close the gap to 11-4 but it was not enough and the Demons took the victory.
Ricky Burkhalter and Micah Wascom each had two singles to lead the Demons offensively while Nathan Parden, Rickken Burkhalter and Dillon Pace each had one single.
Wascom was the winning pitcher as he pitched six full innings striking out twelve Titan batters, allowed six hits and walked one. Dillon Pace pitched the final inning allowing one hit, two walks and striking out one.
The Demons are scheduled to play Lakeshore on April 7 at home, then go to Pearl River on Tuesday April 12.
