Unusual play helps Rams knock off H.A.

By Staff
Special to The Star
March 24, 2001
Dekalb When Kemper Academy baseball player Josh McCarthy was a little fellow he must have played a lot of Monopoly. You know, the game where you can pass go and collect 200 dollars.
McCarthy pulled one of the most unusual plays in baseball Friday afternoon in leading his Rams to a 2-1 District 3A contest over Heidelberg Academy.
Kemper and Heidelberg were deadlocked 0-0 in the bottom of the third inning. Ty Harbour was at third, and McCarthy was at second, with one out. Wade Whitaker then bunted a ball, but Rebel pitcher Matt Culberson slipped and fell, allowing Harbour to score. The unusual play was McCarthy didn't even go to third from second but broke from second for home and ended up scoring what turned out to be the winning run.
Heidelberg coaches argued but to no avail, for the umpires told the Rebel coaches they didn't see the runner not go to third base.
Kemper coach Russell Cruise denied it being a set play and said that McCarthy had a lot of savvy and "is still teaching Coach Briggs and myself about baseball."
The win moves Kemper into first place in the District with a 1-0 mark while Heidleberg falls to 1-1.
It was Heidelberg's first District loss in five years and 38 games. The Rebels, who played 2A baseball the last four years, were 36-0 during that time.
Harbour held the Rebels to one run and four hits, while walking four and fanning four in gaining the win.
Rebel hurler Matt Culberson (1-1) was equal to the task. He allowed two runs and three hits, while fanning eight and allowing only one walk.
Harbour led Kemper with a triple and single. McCarthy also singled for the Rams.
Freshmen Brent Welch led HA with two singles. Heath Ainsworth and Brooks Lewis also singled for the Rebels.
Derek McKee walked three times and scored the only Rebel run when Ryan Aultman hit a grounder that was
ruled an error but scored McKee from second in the fourth inning.
Kemper (3-3) travels to Winston tonight while Heidelberg (3-5) travels to Prentiss Monday afternoon.
Both teams have District contests Tuesday afternoon with Kemper facing Central Macon and Heidelberg hosting Wayne that night.