MA splits double-header against Russellville

Spencer Palmer safely steals second base in game one.

BY CRAIG SEABROOK / SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

Madison Academy ended its regular season Tuesday, April 19 by splitting a double-header with Class 5A and 4th ranked Russellville High School.

“We wanted to play a quality team with a quality program as we head into the post season,” said Coach Mike Good. “They have one of the best high school programs around and it was fun for us to compete there and to be able to take one of the games.  It was a great way to finish our regular season.”

The Mustangs dominated game one with 14 hits to the Golden Tiger’s four, producing a final score of 14-3.  Ian Rice had a three-run homerun, Clayton Palicki went 3-for-4, and Spencer Palmer went 3-for-4.

Holding the Golden Tigers to 4 hits was an accomplishment belonging to three Madison Academy pitchers.  Drew Mobley was the Mustang starter and picked up the win with relief help from Spencer Palmer and Thompson King.

The Mustangs dropped game two by a score of 13-1 as their bats cooled while the Golden Tiger came to life.  MA pitched six different pitchers in the six-inning contest and found the Golden Tigers determined to finish their regular season with a win.

“We wanted to give some of the guys who don’t get to play that much some innings and some at bats as we were finishing up our regular season,” Good said. “The coaches wanted to see how the guys would compete and we were pleased for the most part with their effort and competitiveness.”

Palicki went 2-for-3 and Blaire Kiel had a double.  Zac Smith took the loss.

Madison Academy will host Sylvania High School Friday, April 22 in AHSAA 1st round playoff action.  Game times are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  Should a third game become necessary to determine the outcome of the series, that game will be played at Madison Academy, Saturday April 23rd beginning at 2 p.m.