Mize finishes rally by Union

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
May 6, 2003
UNION Mize scored eight unanswered runs, including six in the top of the third inning, to defeat Union 9-6 for the Class 1A South State championship Monday night at Laird Park.
Union scored six runs on 10 hits over the first two innings to take an early 6-1 lead.
The Bulldogs got six runs in the third on four hits, two walks, and an error to grab a 7-6 lead.
Adam McAlpin, who tossed a five-inning, two-hit shutout against Union on Saturday, came on in relief with one out in the bottom of the second and did not allow any runs to give Mize, 29-4, a shot at a comeback.
The Bulldogs took full advantage as they won the rubber game of the best-of-three series and advanced to the Class 1A finals against Hamilton, 19-9. Game One will be at Hamilton Thursday at 7 p.m. with Game Two slated for 7 p.m. Saturday at Mize.
McAlpin (11-2) allowed four hits in his 5 2/3 innings Monday night. He struck out six and issued only one walk.
With Union stuck on six runs, the Bulldogs used two-run singles from Joseph Adcock and Anthony Adcock in the third inning to grab the lead. Justin Ainsworth had an RBI single and starting pitcher Josh Melton drew a bases loaded walk.
Mize added two more runs in the fourth on RBI singles from McAlpin and Ainsworth.
Jody Blount (7-3) took the loss, allowing 11 hits and one walk. He struck out six.
Union took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Blount and Wes Henry had RBI singles.
The Yellowjackets extended their lead to 6-1 in the second as Sean Ferrell had an RBI double and Blount launched a towering three-run homer to left field that scored Ferrell and Jacob Casey.
Mize picked up its first run in the top of the second on a solo homer to center field by Joseph Adcock.
Casey and Danny Cain both went 3-for-4 for Union, 22-13. Blount went 2-for-4 with four RBIs.
Ainsworth, Jasper Adcock, and Joseph Adcock each had two hits for Mize.