If the first game under new head coach Shawn Hearn is any indication, the Piggott Mohawks are looking very strong for the coming baseball season. The Tribe kicked-off the 2008 campaign with a 13-1 win over the Maynard Tigers last Thursday afternoon at Independence Park. The contest featured five strong innings on the mound from senior Brice Swann, who also ended the game with a three-run walk-off homer.

Swann, who is one of only two seniors on the squad along with catcher Brandon Burdin, started on the mound for the Mohawks and sat down the first three batters on just ten pitches. In the home-half of the first inning the Tiger's starter did the same.

According to Hearn, it was in the third inning that the Mohawks caught fire. "We got off to a bit of a slow start, but things picked-up in the third when Trent Edwards drove-in Tyler Grubb from third on a squeeze bunt." The Mohawks hung three more runs on the Tigers in the fourth and ended the game with a nine-run fifth inning that was capped with Swann's homerun.

On the game Swann led the way with a 2 for 3 performance, with one homerun and three RBI. Sam Yates went 2 for 3 with one RBI and Colby Lovelace went 1 for 2. Swann also pitched five strong innings, facing just 18 Maynard batters. The senior hurler struck out nine and only gave up one base on balls to the Tiger hitters.

"We really looked good," Hearn noted later, "I was really pleased with the way we played, even this early in the season we looked like an experienced ball team."

The first year head coach, who took over for long-time field boss Brock Swann, added that he was very appreciative of the crowd that came out for the game and the support the team received. He also added a word of thanks to the Piggott Parks and Recreation Department for getting the field ready. In his words they did, "an excellent job."

The Mohawks also took the "B" game last Thursday over Maynard. That final score was 4-0 in favor of the Tribe.

The Mohawks were scheduled to visit Gosnell Monday and host Rector on Tuesday, but those games were scratched due to the bad weather. Friday's game at Maynard will also likely fall victim to the weather as well. The Tribe is scheduled to open their conference season next Monday afternoon as they host the Marmaduke Greyhounds at Independence Park in Piggott. The afternoon will feature both a "B" and an "A" contest with first-pitch scheduled for 3:30 Monday afternoon.

The Mohawks will travel to Ridgefield Christian on Thursday, March 13 and are scheduled to host the Manila Lions on Friday, March 14.