Mohawks bounced from district in round two

Three Piggott Mohawk seniors played their final game in the red and black Friday in the district tournament loss to Corning. The trio includes, from left--Tyler Grubb, Daniel Cheshire and Jonathan Wright. All three played key roles in the Tribe finishing with a winning record, and according to coach Shawn Hearn provided great leadership. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

The Piggott Mohawks ended their baseball season at home Friday afternoon, losing a 1-2 nail-bitter to the Corning Bobcats in the second round of the 3AAA-North district tournament at Independence Park. With the loss the Tribe came up just shy of a trip to this week's regional at Tuckerman, but end the season with a winning record.

The Mohawks district tournament got underway Thursday evening, as they posted a 2-0 first round win over the Brookland Bearcats behind the pitching of Alek Samples. Hayden McMillon scored both of the Tribe's runs on the night, and both of the runs were driven-in by another sophomore, Colby Lovelace. Prior to the contest longtime Mohawk baseball coach, and continued supporter and volunteer groundskeeper, Brock Swann was honored as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Bearcats, who have been in a re-building mode this season, got a complete game performance from Ty Still and remained in the game to the last out. With the win the Mohawks set-up a second round showdown with the Bobcats, a team they had split with during the regular season.

Both Corning and Piggott sent their aces to the mound Friday afternoon, as Tyler Grubb got the nod from Mohawk head coach Shawn Hearn and the Bobcats countered with their big lefthander Zack Brown. What resulted was an old fashioned pitcher's duel, with both going the distance in fine fashion. But despite holding a 1-0 lead throughout most of the game, Corning came back with two in the home half of the seventh inning to post the win.

"We took a one run lead into the seventh, and Tyler only gave up two hits on the game," Hearn noted later, "he and the other kids put up a great fight, this one could have went either way. I guess if you gotta go out, this is the way to do it..but we finish with a winning record and .500 in conference..they just played a little better late in the game."

Hearn also noted that his young Mohawks, with just three seniors on the roster, have held their own this year against much more experienced opponents, "I can't be prouder of these kids, we got great leadership from our three seniors, and I can't say enough about Tyler Grubb and his effort and maturity." The second year coach also noted that it was more than just a well-pitched game, "we played great all over the field, (Tanner) Murray behind the plate and (Hayden) McMillon was making plays, everybody stepped up and did a great job..we just got beat."

The Tribe does bid farewell to seniors Grubb, Daniel Cheshire and Jonathan Wright but will return six starters that are underclassmen.

Hearn also offered thanks to his volunteer groundskeepers, who had Independence Park in top form throughout the tournament. "These guys got out here and worked their tails off to get this field in shape, and keep it in shape, despite the weather...we sure appreciate all they've done."