Carthage dominates Rusk 17-3
Bulldog bats unstoppable
BY LELAND ACKER

PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN Rusk pitcher Stephen Halbert looks for a strike out victim during Rusk's 17-3 loss at the hands of the Carthage Bulldogs Thursday. The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 6-0 lead before extending the lead in the third inning. Rusk struggled from the plate. The Eagles host Hudson Friday.

When it rains, it pours for the Rusk Eagles. The Birds' rally against the Crockett Bulldogs came up four runs short in the pre-storm hours of Monday, March 17. Though the rain subsided Wednesday, hard luck rained on the Eagles when they took the field against Carthage Thursday. Carthage won the contest 17-3 in five innings.

The Bulldog batters hit long line-drives into the gaps to mount a 6-0 lead over the Eagles in the top of the first inning. The Eagles adjusted by replacing pitcher Trent Halbert with Stephen Halbert.

The tactic appeared to have worked as the Eagle defense stood tall in the second inning, curbing the Bulldog scoring attack. Rusk fell behind 7-0.

The Eagle bats had a hard time finding openings. Adam Hicks had a single in the first inning, but John David Beard hit into a double play to clear the bases.

Damion Hicks hit a hard line drive in the second inning that was snatched out of the air by Carthage's short stop Michael Burchette.

Macon Lindsey hit a deep fly ball to left field, but it was caught for the fly out.

Meanwhile, the Carthage bats warmed up again, mounting a seven run rally in the third inning before adding two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth. Rusk managed three runs in the fourth inning by Beard, Chance Davis and Blake Fletcher, but that was not enough to keep the game going.

Hitters for Rusk were Adam Hicks (1-3), J.D. Beard (1-3, one triple, run scored and stolen base), Davis (1-2 with a run scored and a walk), Blake Fletcher (1-1, run scored) and Macon Lindsey (1-2).

Carthage hit two home runs in the game. Carthage advances to a 12-4 record, 5-0 in District 20 3A while Rusk falls to 9-7, 1-4.

The Eagles host the Hudson Hornets at 7 p.m. Friday at Eagle Field. The game will be broadcast live on KWRW 97.7 FM, with Leland Acker and Tim Timmons commenting on the game.