By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Tigers and Moody Blue Devils have played twice this year and, despite Moody having the better overall record, the Tigers have won both of the meetings between these two rivals this season, winning the latest edition of the rivalry game on Monday evening by a single run, 2-1.
Springville drew first blood in the first inning when Kade Willis drove in a waiting Kevin Jones to left field with 2 outs on a 2-0 count. Moody wouldn’t score in the first but in the second they got on the board when Brady Dodd hit a double to center field, driving in Carson Mitchell to even the score.
In the third, Springville would score what would wind up being the winning run when Willis got his second, and the team’s second, RBI of the night. This time Willis would drive in pinch-runner Jake Conner for the go-ahead score.
The pitcher’s duel would continue for the remainder of the game as Springville’s Kade Willis nudged out Moody’s Brady Dodd. Zach Brown relieved Willis for the last two innings, recording the final six outs for the Tigers while Peyton Isbell came in to relieve Dodd for the Blue Devils, throwing one and one-third innings.
“Our win last night was big for us, especially after two close losses to Mortimer Jordan,” said Springville coach Jonathan Ford. “Our guys seem to find a way against Moody recently. Neither team hit real well last night but we were able to scratch one more across and I gues that is what counts in the end. We have a really young group this time and we are learning a lot and gaining experience each time we go out there.”
Ford continued, “Kade Willis got the win going 5 innings and allowing only 1 run. He also led at the plate with 3 hits. Brady Gillespie had a big hit in the first to lead to a run. Zach Brown came in to pitch the last two and earn the save to secure the win.”