Dexter plays fundamental baseball in snapping three-game skid

First-year Dexter High School baseball coach Steve Edwards has been consistent since the opening day of practice last month with his message to his new team.

“We are going to continue, as coaches,” Edwards said recently, “to work on fundamentals and preach about having a plan at the plate.”

The offensive part of Edwards’ plan is still coming together, however, the focus on playing smart baseball and taking advantage of situations is beginning to show.

The Bearcats (2-3) snapped a three-game skid on Monday by beating East Carter 3-2 in eight innings while mustering just one hit, a connection that came in Dexter’s final at-bat.

“High school baseball is funny,” Edwards said. “We love this game, but it sure will eat you up and spit you out if you get too far ahead of yourself.”

In the victory over the Redbirds, the Bearcats played exemplary fundamental baseball to notch their first run.

Senior Cole Nichols got hit by a pitch, which is something that he has mastered early this spring, before stealing both second and third bases.

Nichols then tied the game at one run apiece on a fielder’s choice by senior hitter Brock Wyman.

Two innings later, Nichols repeated the scenario.

He got hit by a pitch, stole a couple of bases, and then raced home for a 2-1 Bearcat lead on an error by the East Carter catcher.

The Bearcats closed the game in their final at-bat, as senior Kaeden Kennedy drew a lead-off walk, which was followed by junior Ryan Young then getting hit by a pitch.

With runners on first and second base, sophomore Nolan Alford got the lone Dexter hit, a single, which loaded the bases.

Kennedy then won the game by scoring on a Redbird wild pitch.

“It’s a journey that we are going on,” Edwards said recently of this team and this spring. “I’m happy about the effort… we do have to clean some things up. We have to work on our first-pitch strikes and have to deal with things in getting them right.”

Kennedy was strong on the mound in the win, as he limited East Carter to one earned run in five innings while striking out nine.

Bearcat freshman Gibson Booker was also very good in throwing three innings of relief. He gave up just one hit while allowing no runs and striking out two East Carter batters.

Kennedy and Wyman each had walks in the victory.

This season does not get any easier for the Bearcats.

Dexter will travel to Class 6 No. 9-ranked Jackson (9-2) on Friday at 10 a.m.