Chandler FInlaw swings in action from Thursday’s game one
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

MADISON-  With a chance to seize control of Class 6A, Area 15, Bob Jones put their best pitcher on the mound, senior Grant Chandler. But it was Sparkman’s sophomore pitcher Brock Anderson who was the story of game one in the key series which will go a long way to determine who makes and misses the playoffs.

Sparkman jumped on Chandler early with a six run first inning and cruised home to an 11-3 win. Anderson allowed only three runs on six hits and came within an out of the complete game. Sparkman Coach Kellen Greer called in Will Sipes to pitch with two out and one on in the bottom of the seventh inning. He got a fly ball to center to end the game.

Greer later said Anderson had reached his pitch count limit.

The game was not in doubt at that point mainly due to Sparkman’s aggressive batters as the Senators batted around in the first inning.

Sipes and Breonn Pooler led off the game with singles. A walk and a Bob Jones error set the table for a two-run double by Jalen Luter. Tanner Burns plated two more on a single. Chandler Finlaw added a single and an RBI.

“We were just trying to find a good pitch to hit,” Greer said of his team’s quick start. “Chandler made some mistakes and we had some good hitting counts.”

Sparkman must win this series and hope Buckhorn beats Hazel Green to throw the race in a three-way tie. Greer said every game in this series will be played like the playoffs are on the line.

“We have got to win game two or we are out of the race,” Greer said. “It’s a do or die for us. It’s a great job on our guy’s part tonight. They came out and responded well to the pressure, played their tails off, Brock really battled, we picked up the pace offensively and we got to do the same thing tomorrow.”

Anderson moved his record to 7-1 on the season. He plays rightfield when not on the mound.

“He has been really good all year and faced some really good teams. This may be the most runs he gave up all season. He competes well. He struggled early to find the zone,” Greer said.

Brock Anderson

Based on past history, Greer is likely to send Scott Windsor in game 2 and Tanner Burns in game 3.

Sparkman finally chased Chandler in the top of the fifth inning leading 10-2. He gave up 12 hits and was relieved by Joe Trussell. Two Bob Jones errors didn’t help the Patriots cause. Trey Ward had one in the first and Nathan Burch dropped a fly ball in right field in the sixth.

Chandler Finlaw led Sparkman with two hits and knocked in three runs. Anderson smacked a solo homerun leading off the sixth inning.

The teams play a doubleheader today starting at 4:30 at Sparkman.

Sparkman spent several weeks ranked #1 in the ASWA polls earlier this season. They are #5 in the last poll. Pelham is #1.