By Staff
From special reports
July 20, 2002
The Meridian 10-year-old All-Stars showed their stuff Friday with a huge 14-4 win over South Texas in the 2002 Cal Ripken Southwest Regional Tournament at Lake Village, Arkansas.
South Texas came out early with two runs in the first inning, but Meridian answered right back with three in the first.
Meridian proceeded to put up eight more runs on the board in the second inning and three more in the third.
South Texas managed just one more run in the third and fourth, but it wasn't enough as Meridian won the game on the ten-run rule.
Joey Lawn, Matt Ware, and Caleb Melton combined on a three hitter leading Meridian on the mound.
Meridian's LaColton Jackson led at the plate with two singles, a double, and two RBIs. Lane Hilliard picked up two singles and an RBI while Michael Sterling smashed a double.
Overall, Meridian had 11 hits, six walks, 14 runs, and 10 RBIs. A total of 29 Meridian hitters came up to bat during the short four inning game.
Meridian is set to face the winner of the Springdale, Arkansas/Lake Shore, Louisiana match, Sunday at 5 p.m. A victory will keep them in the winners bracket.
9-year-olds
Meridian 3
Jacksonville 0
The Meridian 9-year-old All-Stars picked up a 3-0 shutout win over Jacksonville, Arkansas in their first game of the 2002 Cal Ripken Southwest Regional Tournament.
Nate Fincher led Meridian on the mound allowing only one hit in five innings with seven strikeouts. Jeremy Kidd picked up the save finishing out the sixth inning with one strikeout.
Meridian's defense was on fire recording no errors in six innings. Jeremy Kidd picked up an impressive catch at second base.
At the plate, Alex Stegall brought in two RBIs while Nathan Fincher hit two singles and an RBI.
The win moves Meridian up in the winners bracket and sets them up for an 11 a.m. showdown, today, versus the winner of the Maumell, Arkansas/Waldren, Arkansas match.