by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
LONG BEACH (GG) — Although both teams are in different MHSAA Classifications this year, the Exit 28 rivalry still exists and the West Harrison Hurricanes baseball team beat cross-town rival Long Beach 6-2 at the Mark Rutledge Stadium in Long Beach Friday, February 20. West Harrison Shortstop Reece Parker collected three hits in four at bats, as the Hurricanes (4-0) defeated the Bearcats (0-5). Parker hit a home run to center field in the sixth inning, singled in the first inning, and singled in the fourth inning.
Additionally, Parker earned the win for West Harrison. The hurler surrendered one hit and one run (zero earned) over three innings, striking out six and walking one. Landon Carden stepped on the mound first for Long Beach and took the loss. The starting pitcher surrendered seven hits and six runs (five earned) over five and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking three.
Cameron Sandel stepped on the bump first for West Harrison Hurricanes and surrendered four hits, one run over four innings, striking out seven and walking three. Second Baseman Carlos Pena collected two hits for the Hurricanes in four at bats and stole two bases.
Drew Dixon and Aiden Downey were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Long Beach while Landon Tyre went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with one run batted in. Long Beach turned one double play in the game.
Next up for West Harrison Hurricanes will host a game against St. Patrick on Saturday, February 21. The game in Gulfport is scheduled for 1pm. The Bearcats will host host East Central Tuesday, February 24 at 7pm.
