Dunbar enables TAD to split with Sevier

from staff reports

   KINGSPORT -- Playing always-tough John Sevier, hits were hard to come by on Monday for the T.A. Dugger baseball team. However, a guy by the name of Chris Dunbar made sure the Junior Cyclones didn't go home empty-handed.
   After seeing his team suffer a 6-0 setback in the first game of a Middle Eight Conference doubleheader, Dunbar made his presence felt on the mound, pitching a two-hitter that enabled the Junior Cyclones to seize a 2-1 victory.
   "He's doing an unbelievable job," Junior Cyclone coach Jason Carter said of Dunbar. "We're just so proud of him right now for stepping it up the way he is. We're riding his coat-tails rights now, and he's only a seventh-grader. He stays cool and calm, and he's throwing the ball great."
   Lance Reed backed up Dunbar with a pair of hits, while Jordan Hodges added one hit.
   The Junior Cyclones, mustered a hit apiece from Zach Montgomery and Daniel Simerly in the front end of the twin-bill, batted a combined 5 of 37 in the two ball games.
   "Obviously, we're pleased to get a split anytime we play Sevier," Carter said. "That's always a big win for us. Right now we've got to get a little bit better attitude about the game in general, and our batting has to improve. Five hits in two games -- that's not going to cut it."
   Now through the toughest part of its schedule, TAD stands at a somewhat respectable 3-4. The Junior Cyclones will visit Church Hill this Friday.