Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Curley Wolves Drop Finals Of District Tournament To DeQueen Leopards, (cont)

om of the frame to take the win. Prescott -- 1 DeQueen -- 10

The host Leopards, 17-8, were ranked sixth in class AA going into the finals.

They had won the regular season title and were the top seed in the tourney. In addition, the Leopards had a reason to get even with Prescott.

Earlier in the year, the Wolves edged DeQueen 5-3.

Cowling went six innings for Prescott, tangling with 33 Leopards, giving up nine hits, six walks and 10 runs, while striking out four.

The Wolves began strong with Johnston belting a twin-bagger as the game's first batter. Stockton and Fulks grounded out and Johnston was nailed trying to score on the Fulks grounder.

The home Leopards struck for two runs in their part of the inning.

The first two batters were retired before Cowling issued McCastlain a walk.

Baker doubled, sending McCastlain to third. Both scored on Atkins' one-bagger. Lites grounded out to end the inning.

Prescott loaded the bases in the second, as Rockett walked, Williams doubled and Cowling walked.

However, Montgomery and Yates had previously struck out. C. Vanhook did the same with the bags packed.

DeQueen was held in check in its part of the frame, as only one runner reached base safely, and that on a walk.

Two Ks a walk and a groundout was all Prescott could manage in the top of the third.

The bottom of the frame was a problem for the Wolves as DeQueen scored five runs.

McCastlain walked and scored on Baker's two-run shot. Atkins was hit by a pitch and Williams singled.

Atkins scored when Lite singled. Pearce connected for a one-bagger to drive Williams home. Martin recorded an RBI by grounding out and scoring Lite.

Pearce found himself in no-man's land as he was caught in a rundown between third and home on a failed suicide squeeze.

The next two batters were retired, but the Leopards held a 7-0 lead.

Two grounders and a K spelled a short fourth for Prescott.

The Leopards, on the other hand, added a run to their lead.

The first two batters walked and the next two smacked grounders. Williams' groundout drove McCastlain in. Lite was fanned to end the inning.

It looked as if Prescott may score in the fifth. Cowling flied out to start the frame, and C. Vanhook belted a three-bagger.

He watched helplessly from third as Johnston and Stockton were fanned.

Three Leopards went to bat, one singled and was caught trying to steal. The other two never got close to first base.

Prescott got its lone run in the top of the sixth.

Fulks walked and scored on Montgomery's double. Yates hit into a fielder's choice that saw Montgomery caught between second and third. Rockett and Williams flied out.

DeQueen scored its final two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Powell walked. McCastlain flied out. Baker singled Powell home. Atkins reached on an error, which allowed Baker to score.

Williams followed by grounding into a 4-3-5 double play.

Prescott was unable to score in the top of the seventh.

However, this is the first time in Prescott High School history the Curley Wolf baseball team has made it to the district finals and will be making a trip to the state tourney.

This year, the class AA state tourney will be in Perryville.

First round games began at noon Monday, with the second round starting at noon Wednesday.

Semifinal action is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, with the finals on tap for 7 p.m. Friday, May 10.