Summit vs. Franklin - Game Recap
March 11, 2020
A mid-day 11-AAA showdown to get the 2020 season underway as Summit clashed with Franklin at Dugan Field (Lipscomb University). Summit RHP Blake Money (2020, LSU Commit) was surprisingly scratched from the opening day start after a battle with illness, The stage was set for 2023 LHP Ethan McElvain (Vanderbilt Commit) to make his high school debut as he got the nod on the bump as Franklin matched with Kalamazoo Commit 2020 RHP/QB1 Joshua Nichols.
‘20 RHP @blake_money25 scratched due to illness (Two 2Bs tho), 23’ @VandyBoys commit LHP Ethan McElvain (@wcsSHSBaseball) makes HS debut. 4 hitless frames 5 K 4 BB.
— PBR Tennessee (@PBRTennessee) March 9, 2020
FB up to 87, wicked breaker in mid 70s. #BeSeen⚾️ pic.twitter.com/mQm7Hyiuxw
Both provided strong starts as the game remained hitless through the first four innings. McElvain finished with 4 IP, 0 H, 1 R ( 0 ER), 4 BB, 5 K picking up the win in the process. Nichols battled all day with a deep Summit lineup, but was a tough luck loser after going a steady 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 5 K.
Opening Day 11-AAA matchup between @wcsSHSBaseball and @FHSRebBaseball.
— PBR Tennessee (@PBRTennessee) March 9, 2020
20’ RHP/QB1 @joshuanichols_9 escapes bases loaded to keep 1-0 thru 4. FB: 82-87 CB: 68-70 pic.twitter.com/IGG2yP2gCM
21’ SS/3B Carson Garner reached on an error and worked his way around the bases (2 SB) to score an unearned run in the bottom of the first to give Franklin the early 1-0 lead. Joshua Nichols faced the minimum through three allowing one base runner via HBP, who was caught stealing by 21’ C Daniel Sherman to end the 3rd. Nichols ran into trouble in the 4th walking the bases loaded, but escaped by striking out the side to keep Summit off the board.
In the 5th, Summit singled to break up Nichols no-hit big, 20’ Cole Hendrix reached on error, then uncommitted 20’ OF Cole Thomason put the ball in play to drive in the run to tie the game. Uncommitted 21’ SS Cameron Lee singled to bring in Hendrix and give Summit the 2-1 lead. In the bottom half, 22’ LHP Maxwell Fell came on in relief struggling to command the zone, walking three and surrendering a single to 23’ Caleb Anderson, but some big defensive plays gets them out of the jam as Hendrix recorded an outfield assist and Fell picked off a runner.
Both squads pick up a run in the 6th as Blake Money doubles into the LF corner and comes around to score and Daniel Sherman doubles off Auston Kincaid to drive in Nichols to make it 3-2 Summit heading to the 7th. A walk, bunt, bunt single from Thomason, then Cameron Lee groundout plates a run. Money put the nail in the coffin doubling into the corner again to extend the lead to 5-2. Two walks in the bottom half, but Cole Hendrix manages and seals the opening day win for the Spartans.
Be sure to check the Tennessee Scout Blog later this week for scouting notes and video on prospects from the match-up.