Eagles fall to Crockett
Coach says team is improving
BY LELAND ACKER

Rusk l pitcher Stephen Halbert throws a strike during a recent game between the Eagles and the Huntington Red Devils. Rusk is 9-6 on the season, 1-3 in district. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

A tough game and close finish marks improvements for the Rusk Eagles as the baseball team fell to Crockett 12-8 Monday. The game was a closer struggle when compared to last year's match-ups between Rusk and Crockett.

"We're so close to being a really good ball club," said Head Coach George Banda. "The kids have come a long way and improved a lot this year."

Rusk played well, but had errors in one of the middle innings, Coach Banda explained.

On the mound for Rusk were Trent Halbert, Stephen Halbert and Chance Davis.

"We took Trent out in the first inning, his arm was tender," Coach Banda said. "Stephen threw well. We replaced him with Chance Davis in the fifth inning."

Batting for Rusk was Adam Hicks, who went four-for-four with a home run, a double and two singles. Davis added a homer later in the game. John David Beard went two-for-five with a triple and a single.

The loss drops Rusk to a 9-6 record, 1-3 in the highly competitive District 20 3A.

Coach Banda said he hopes to put a run together in the second half of district play.

"We face a big test against Carthage Thursday," he said. "If we come out and play well, I think we can win it."