Tigers secure win over Doniphan

NEELYVILLE — After battling through a tough season, the Neelyville Tigers have something to smile about after landing an OFC matchup win. While the Lady Tigers competed for the softball OFC championship, the Tigers went head-to-head against the Doniphan Dons for a much-needed win at the Tigers’ den.

The Tigers established a solid foundation at the bottom of the first inning and rode it all the way to victory. Solid defense and power from the mound were the keys for the Tigers to defeat the Dons 3-1 on Wednesday.

The Tigers improved to 5-11 on the season, and head coach David Crockett said it felt great to land a win after their tough stretch.

“We played pretty well overall,” Crockett said. “ Our pitcher threw strikes, and defense was solid behind him. We were able to scratch out three runs and then hold them for the rest of the game. It was just a good win for us.”

With little action at the plate from both teams, most of the game turned into a pitcher’s duel, where Zak Cowley started the game for Neelyville and recorded 21 outs. Both teams were strong on the mound, but the Tigers utilized their defease to perfection to pull away.

Doniphan got on the board in the first inning after Lane Dean drew a walk, scoring one run. Unfortunately, this would be their last shot for the Dons to gain an early lead.

The Tigers wouldn’t waste any time with their first chance at the plate. They took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first after Cowley tripled, scoring two runs, and Trevor Turner grounded out, scoring one run.

Cowley stepped on the hill first for Neelyville. He surrendered two hits and one run over seven innings, striking out six and walking four. Garrett Griffin opened the game for the Dons.

The righty gave up six hits and three runs over six innings, striking out five and walking two.

Cowley provided the pop in the middle of the lineup, leading Neelyville with two batted runs. The pitcher went 2-for-3 on the day.

Griffin and Aidan McAfee each collected one hit for Doniphan, while Maddox Baucom stole two bases for the squad. Doniphan turned one double play in the game.

Next up for Neelyville is a game at Van Buren to take on the Bulldogs on Monday.