Bobcat title run ends in semis

The Phil Campbell Bobcats’ storied run to the semifinals in their first year of Class 3A baseball came to an abrupt end with two losses to Piedmont last week. The Bobcats lost game one 5-0 and game two 14-1.

“I was proud of our guys,” said Phil Campbell coach Jonathan Raper. “We were just a little overpowered. These seniors don’t need to hang their heads. They’ve accomplished a lot.

“We have a lot of young guys, and they need to learn from this experience and try to get back next year.”

In game one, Piedmont scored all five of their runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Phil Campbell managed four hits but couldn’t get any runs across. The closest the Bobcats got was in the third inning, stranding runners at second and third.

Luke Barnwell had two of the four Phil Campbell hits. Nate Owens and Trey Leindecker grabbed the other two.

Owens got through one and two-thirds innings, allowing six hits and five runs.

Barnwell finished the game off on the mound, giving up three hits and no runs.

In game two, the Bobcats got their lone run in the bottom of the first inning. After a lead-off walk to Barnwell, a single by Austen Baker and sacrifice fly by Owens, a single by Ridge Raper scored Barnwell.

The Bobcats led through two innings, but it was all Piedmont from there. They scored four in the second, four in the fifth and six in the seventh. Piedmont pounded out 14 hits.

Phil Campbell got six hits, two of which were by Baker. Barnwell, Raper, Ty Leindecker and Cole Motes had one hit each.

Raper pitched four innings and gave up five hits and seven runs. Barnwell, Brett Saint and Baker finished off the game surrendering a combined seven hits and seven runs.

Phil Campbell has a wealth of young talent returning and retains three senior starters.