 Alex Liquori (front) and John Mark Rhodes round the bases on Rhodes\'s three-run home run in the first inning of game one. Whitewater made quick work of their first round opponent, sweeping Jonesboro in two games in the opener of the state playoffs. The Wildcats' offense exploded from the outset, winning game one 4-1 and game two 13-1.
Jonesboro's pitching was shaky right away in the first game as their starter threw ten straight balls, putting two men on base and giving John Mark Rhodes a leg up at the plate. When the Cardinal's pitcher finally got one over the plate, Rhodes blasted it over the fence for an opposite field home run and a quick 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Daniel Amos handled the rest on the mound, pitching six innings for the win. Mack Kriesch closed out the victory in relief.
The Wildcat offense was even more impressive in game two, racking up a 13-1 mercy rule victory in five innings.
John Mark Rhodes was on the ball again, hitting his second homer of the day. Alex Liquori also went deep in the clincher. Evan Gresham pitched four innings, picking up the victory.
The victory pushed the Cats into the second round of the tournament where they traveled to play Alexander in another best of three starting Wednesday. |
