Rison, Poyen open Indian Classic with victories
The opening day of the Indian Classic at Poyen featured a pair of decisive wins as Rison and host Poyen both picked up victories Friday afternoon.
Rison opened the event with an 8-0 shutout win over Magnet Cove, while Poyen followed with a 13-2 run-rule victory over Hampton behind a dominant first inning.
Game 1: Rison 8, Magnet Cove 0
Rison used strong pitching and aggressive base running to defeat Magnet Cove in the tournament opener.
The Wildcats struck early in the top of the first inning, scoring four runs to seize control. An error brought home the first run before Brayden Terry drew a walk to force in another. Brody Howard followed with a two-run double to extend the lead to 4-0.
Rison starter Noah Matheson delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing just two hits over 5⅔ scoreless innings while striking out eight and walking one. Logan McGarity finished the game in relief and recorded the final out to complete the shutout.
Howard led the Wildcats offensively with two RBIs while going 2-for-3 at the plate. Matheson, Howard and Trent Southerland each recorded two hits.
Rison also applied pressure on the base paths, stealing five bases in the game. Matheson and Terry each stole multiple bases as the Wildcats consistently moved runners into scoring position.
Calvin McKinney led Magnet Cove with two hits in three at-bats.
Game 2: Poyen 13, Hampton 2
Host Poyen wasted little time putting the nightcap away, erupting for 10 runs in the first inning on the way to a run-rule victory over Hampton.
Layton Russell started the scoring with an RBI triple before Hayden Murray and Jackson Ellis each drew bases-loaded walks to force in runs. Kaden Rushing added another run after tagging up, and Korbin Rushing followed with a three-run double to break the game open.
Russell later added an RBI single during the inning, while Hampton also committed an error that allowed two additional runs to score.
Poyen added another run in the second inning when Ethan Parrault drove in a run on a sacrifice.
Murray earned the win for the Indians, allowing two runs on two hits over three innings while striking out seven and walking two.
Korbin Rushing led Poyen offensively, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Russell finished with two hits, while the Indians also showed patience at the plate by drawing 11 walks.
Poyen finished with nine hits and did not commit an error in the field.
By the numbers
8 — Runs scored by Rison in the tournament opener
0 — Runs allowed by Rison pitchers in the shutout win
8 — Strikeouts recorded by Rison starter Noah Matheson
5 — Stolen bases by Rison
13 — Runs scored by Poyen in the nightcap
10 — First-inning runs by Poyen against Hampton
3 — RBIs by Korbin Rushing
7 — Strikeouts by Poyen pitcher Hayden Murray
11 — Walks drawn by Poyen hitters
9 — Hits recorded by the Indians
The Indian Classic continues Saturday at Poyen with three additional games:
Saturday
10 a.m. — Magnet Cove vs. Conway St. Joseph
12:20 p.m. — Hampton vs. Cutter Morning Star
2:40 p.m. — Poyen vs. Rison