Mohawks win first two of '09 campaign

The Piggott Mohawk baseball team kicked-off the 2009 season with a couple of wins last week, and were scheduled to get their conference schedule underway Thursday afternoon as they host the Hoxie Mustangs. This marks the second year for head coach Shawn Hearn, and this season he's joined by assistant Alan Rabjohn.

Last Thursday the Warriors of Ridgefield Christian visited Independence Park, and the Tribe pounded the visitors 16-0 behind a near-perfect game by Colby Lovelace. Friday afternoon the Mohawks battled the winter weather, but got sparkling pitching performance from senior Tyler Grubb, as they beat 4A Pocahontas 6-5 in the season's first road game.

In the season opener against Ridgefield Christian the Mohawks got three RBI from Spencer Coomer, and two each from Jake Poe, Lovelace and Hayden McMillon as they spread nine hits among 16 batters. Meanwhile, Lovelace struck out eight and walked one, as he came-up just shy of a perfect game against the short-handed Warriors. Hearn also noted that the lone base runner for Ridgefield Christian was thrown-out by catcher Tanner Murray attempting to steal second, as the Tribe never allowed a runner past first base.

Hearn also offered his thanks to Brett McMillon, Kevin Murray, Brock Swann and David McDonald for their efforts in getting the field ready for the season opener, "they really went well beyond the call of duty, and we sure appreciate it," he observed.

Friday afternoon the Mohawks traveled to Pocahontas, and despite a mix of winter precipitation, rode the strong right arm of Grubb to a 6-5 non-conference win.

Leading the offensive attack was McMillon, as he went two-for-four with an RBI, while Poe went two-for-three and also drove in a run. The Tribe also got hits out of Jonathan Wright, Alek Samples, Kyle Wright and Daniel Cheshire.

On the mound Grubb struck out three and walked two as the Redskins scattered six hits among the 31 batters he faced. Working all seven innings the senior threw 101 pitches, and in the words of his coach, "made a great effort despite the cold conditions."

Hearn also complimented the Mohawks defensive effort, noting that despite a slow start the Tribe had looked sharp in the field. He added that Murray also had another good game behind the plate, as he threw out two Redskins base runners at second. "I was very pleased with our effort," he surmised.

With the wins the Mohawks start the season at 2-0, but bad weather this week has prompted some re-scheduling. The Tribe was scheduled to host Gosnell Monday afternoon, but that game will be played this Friday, March 6. Tuesday afternoon the Mohawks were slated to host the Maynard Tigers, but that game has been re-set for Thursday, March 26. The Tribe was scheduled to begin their conference schedule Thursday afternoon as the Hoxie Mustangs visit, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. at Independence Park.

Next Monday, March 9, they're scheduled to host the Rivercrest Colts, Thursday they'll play host to Corning and next Friday, March 13, they're slated to host the Rector Cougars in a non-confernce set.

On Saturday, March 14, the Mohawks will be hosting a JV tournament at Independence Park with the first game set to get underway at 9 a.m.