Dogs feast on Pirate miscues

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 22, 2011 1:47 PM

• Print
• Email

PRINCETON -- It wasn't pretty.

But Princeton will take it.

The Bulldogs managed just four hits, but feasted off defensive mistakes and walks in a 10-4 triumph over Corinth-Holders during opening day of the 10th annual Deacon Jones Invitational contested Thursday evening.

Princeton (6-10 overall) faces archrival Rosewood in the championship game today at 7 p.m. The Pirates meet Spring Creek in the third-place game at 4 p.m.

"We're glad to get a win and we're looking forward to playing Rosewood," said Princeton head coach Bruce Proctor. "That's two (wins) in a row for us and we can build off of that."

Corinth-Holders right-hander Collin Ray issued nine walks and was victimized by a defense that committed nine errors behind him. The Dawgs pushed eight unearned runs across and registered just one hit in the first four innings -- despite sending 24 batters to the plate.

The teams combined for 11 unearned runs in the 2-hour, 5-minute affair.

Tyler Craft paced Princeton's offense with two hits, including a double, and three RBI. Drew McCoy batted 1-for-2, while designated hitter Matt Stigile (RBI) doubled in two official plate appearances.

The Bulldogs, who have won just one Deacon Jones crown, scored at least one run in five of six innings. Every starter reached base at least once.

Princeton hurler Forrest Stewart scattered five hits in a complete-game effort. The right-hander permitted four runs (one earned), walked six and struck out five.

Ray led the Pirates with two hits. Lead-off batter Robbie Storey, Oakley Wallrich (RBI) and Austin Vickers contributed one hit apiece.