Eufaula win worth the wait

By Andy Brown

Published: June 30, 2008

The Eufaula Dixie Minor National had to wait a little longer than expected to earn its first win of the postseason, but when it finally got the chance it made the most of it.

An hour and 15 minute rain delay pushed the start of the squad’s elimination game with Taylor-Rehobeth back to 9:15 p.m. Saturday night, but the rain did little to cool Eufaula’s bats.

Eufaula pounded out 11 hits en route to a 12-9 win.

The win set up an elimination game with Wicksburg Monday night at Dothan’s Westgate Park.

“Our guys are ready to get back out there,” Eufaula head coach Eddie Maldonado said. “They were ready to play (Sunday).”

Results were not available at press time, but will be published in Friday’s edition of the Eufaula Tribune.

Eufaula was bounced into the losers’ bracket Friday after being blanked 11-0 by the Dothan National Blue.

Eufaula managed just two hits in the loss.

Reid Potthoff was 1-for-2 and Zach Benefield was 1-for-1.

Andrew Price started the game on the mound for Eufaula and tossed two innings.

He allowed seven runs on seven walks and three hits, while striking out one.

Potthoff came on in relief and tossed the final two innings of the game, which was called due to the 10-run rule.

He allowed four runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out two batters.

“That was the first time a lot of our kids have played in an all-star game and I think they might have been a little overwhelmed,” Maldonado said. “They showed a lot of poise Saturday night, though, and beat a good Rehobeth team.”

Saturday, Eufaula’s offense came alive.

Price was 3-for-4 at the plate to pace the squad, while Potthoff and Justin Warren were 2-for-3, Dylan Beaty was 2-for-2 and Griffin Fenn was 2-for-4.

Eufaula never trailed in the contest.

It scored two runs in the first inning, three in the third, one in the fourth and six in the fifth to seal the win.

Eufaula also got a strong effort on the mound from Price and Fenn.

Price started the game and tossed two innings.

He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out two batters.

Fenn tossed the final four innings, allowing seven runs on six hits and a walk.

He struck out eight.