Three-run seventh sends Keys home

By CLINT HARPER
Press special writer

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS May 12, 2008 10:50 am

— MUSTANG — The Keys High School baseball team suffered its sixth and final loss of the season to Beggs during the first round of the Class 3A State Baseball Tournament in Mustang Friday.
The Cougars played strong defense throughout the game where the score remained 0-0 until the final inning when the Golden Demons scored three runs and then stopped the Cougars from evening the score as Beggs beat the Cougars, 3-0, ending the Cougars season.
“It was a close game to the end,” Keys coach Chris Roby said. “It’s the state tournament and that’s what it’s supposed to be like.”
Both pitchers made things tough on opposing batters as Jake Melencamp, 8-1, pitched his only loss this year against Beggs where he threw eight strikeouts and five hits. Beggs’ winning pitcher, Zach Grimmett, threw seven strikouts and two hits in the game.
“I thought both pitchers threw great and both teams hit well,” Roby said. “They had that hit in the right spot to get it done.”
In the top of the seventh inning, Melencamp walked the first batter and then Beggs’ Nick Grimmett hit an RBI double to center fielder Trey Kimble who rocketed the ball to home plate in an attempt to prevent the first runner from scoring. The throw was a little off the mark and Melencamp was there to back up catcher Bret Manus, but his throw to third base missed as well and Nick Grimmett then scored on the error.
A single by Beggs’ Cody Lavigne put himself in scoring position and then James Rogers brought him in with a double, which gave Beggs its three runs. Jake Fisher then stepped on the mound to relieve Melencamp and struck out Beggs’ final hitter.
In the bottom of the inning, Beggs’ defense remained focused and ousted the next three Cougar hitters to close out the game.
“It’s one of the best ball games that I’ve been associated with,” Beggs coach Steve Lynch said. “Keys is a great team, they’ve been taking care of people all year.”
“I’m real proud of our guys,” Roby said. “Ten seniors are leaving us and we’re looking for them to find a place to play.”
Senior Trey Kimble stated his intent to move on and play ball for Northeastern State University while others such as Jessie Billings and Jake Melencamp also hope to play college ball next year but are not yet committed to a particular school.
With the season at an end, the Cougars’ overall record is 29-6 and they have six juniors who will return as seniors next year to defend their regional championship.