Watauga National

rolls to victory
By Steve Behr
 
Watauga National, the 11-12 Little League All-Star team, got a fast start in its game with West Caldwell Thursday and rolled to a 14-1 victory in the loser’s bracket of the District 7 tournament at Optimist Park.

The game scheduled for six innings, was shortened to four because of the 10-run mercy rule. Watauga, the home team, batted just three times, but sent 13 batters to the plate in the first inning.

Watauga scored nine runs in the first inning and five more in the second before being held scoreless in the third. Watauga collected eight hits and benefitted from five walks and a catcher’s interference.

Watauga’s lead-off hitter, Andy Gilliam, scored three runs and had a two-run single in the second inning.

Clay Mizner had two hits, including a three-run triple in the first inning that gave Watauga a 3-0 lead. Matt Lambert also had two hits, including a second-inning double.

Ian Watts drove in two runs, one with a single in the first inning. Watts also scored two runs.

It was more than enough offense for Watauga pitcher Adam Greene to work with. Greene struck out six batters and walked five in four innings. Elijah Watson scored West Caldwell’s lone run in the third inning.

Colby Whitt had West Caldwell’s only hit, a second-inning single.

West Caldwell brought just nine players to the game.