Falkville blows big lead, falls to Eagles

By Staff
Blue Devils lose 11-5; seventh straight defeat after 7-2 start
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
VINEMONT – Falkville's struggle continued in Vinemont.
The Blue Devils, who started the season 7-2, lost their seventh consecutive game Friday evening, as the Eagles won 11-5.
Falkville jumped on Vinemont for five early runs, but could not hold on down the stretch, as the Eagles scored 11 unanswered runs.
Jamie Newcomb suffered the loss. The right hander found himself in several bases-loaded situations before giving way to Ross Summerford in the fifth. Ryan Summerford entered the contest in the sixth inning for his first action of the year. Ryan Summerford had battled an injury up until Friday.
All was well in the first inning, as Falkville (7-9) jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Newcomb singled home Cory Simpson for a 1-0 lead.
One out later, Bobby Holliday smashed a double off the right center field to score Ross Summerford and Johnathan Lacy from second and third base, respectively.
Holliday later scored on Todd Russell's single to center field.
The Blue Devils added its final run in the second inning. Simpson crossed the plate on a fielder's choice, as Falkville took a 5-0 lead.
Vinemont then began chipping away at Falkville's lead.
The Eagles scored two runs in the second. Josh Veres scored from third on a wild pitch, and Will Roberson singled home D.J. Methvin to cut Falkville's lead to three at 5-2.
After Falkville failed to score in the third inning, Vinemont scored two more runs to edge even closer at 5-4.
Jacob Campbell singled home Jason Veres, while a bases loaded walk by Newcomb sent another Vinemont runner home.
Vinemont tied the game in the fourth with a run, and scored four more in the fifth inning to take a 9-5 lead.
The Eagles scored all four runs off relief pitcher Ross Summerford.
The Eagles appeared to find holes in the fifth inning, with short bloopers and "seeing-eye" singles.
Cody Pearson made the most noise of the inning, hitting a bases loaded single to score Roberson and Jake Parrish.
Vinemont added two more runs in the sixth inning due to three Falkville errors.
Methvin scored from second base on two throwing errors to make the score 10-2.
Cory Whittle scored the final run of the game on Jason Veres' single.
The Blue Devils are scheduled to play at 4 p.m. today against Lawerence County.
The game will be played in Falkville.