Phil Campbell finishes sweep

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
PHIL CAMPBELL – Griffin Harris struck out nine batters in four innings and also hit a grand slam on Tuesday as Phil Campbell defeated Belgreen 11-1 to finish off a sweep of the Bulldogs in area play.
The Bobcats (15-4, 6-0 Class 2A, Area 16) broke open a scoreless game with eight runs in the bottom of the third, highlighted by Harris's slam.
Harris led off the inning with a walk and then scored on a hit by Jonathan Dill. Steven Lacey also drove in a run, and Caleb Thompson had an RBI triple.
Phil Campbell led 4-0 when Harris stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and drove a pitch from Belgreen starter Shane Fretwell over the fence in right field.
The Bulldogs answered back with their only run of the game in the top of the fourth.
Colby Barnett drew a walk and moved to second on a bunt by Marty Britton. Josh Smith later delivered an RBI single for Belgreen's only hit of the day off Harris (2-0).
Lacey relieved in the fifth and pitched a scoreless inning.
The Bobcats ended the game with three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Korey Pounders reached on an error, and Harris drew a walk. After both runners moved up on a groundout by Dill, Randy Cochran drove in a run with an infield hit. Another run scored on a throwing error to make it 10-1.
After a walk to Kevin Lacey, Steven Lacey singled past shortstop to bring home the final run.
Kevin Lacey finished 2-for-2 with a double.
Phil Campbell is scheduled to face Belgreen again today at the Franklin County Tournament. Host Red Bay will play Vina in the other first-round game. The championship game will follow.