389 Country
Staff Report
In a thrilling non-conference showdown on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Hayesville High School Yellow Jackets baseball team dominated the Towns County Indians, securing a 16-6 victory in six innings at home. The win prevented Hayesville from being swept by the Indians as Towns County got the win over the Jackets earlier in the season by a final of 4-1. Dubbed the "Battle for Lake Chatuge," the game ended early due to the 10-run mercy rule, improving Hayesville’s overall record to 2-3 on the season.
The Yellow Jackets wasted no time asserting their dominance, exploding for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. Senior Michael Mauney led the charge, finishing the game 4-for-5 with two runs, two RBIs, and a double, boasting an impressive 1.000 slugging percentage. Not to be outdone, senior Kendall Boyer went 2-for-2, driving in three RBIs and scoring three times, while junior Ben Bethel added a 2-for-3 performance with two runs, two RBIs, and a double.
Towns County fought back in the top of the second, plating four runs to narrow the gap to 7-4. However, Hayesville’s offense proved relentless, piling on runs throughout the game. The Jackets’ aggressive baserunning was a key factor, as they stole 12 bases on 12 attempts. Senior Tate Roberts led the team with three stolen bases, while Mauney, Bethel, and junior Jackson Sellers each swiped two.
Hayesville’s team batting average soared to .435 for the game, with 10 hits on 23 at-bats, complemented by 11 walks and three sacrifice bunts. Their on-base percentage reached a staggering .649, reflecting their ability to consistently get runners on base and capitalize on opportunities. Roberts, Boyer, and Mauney each scored three runs or more, showcasing the depth of the Jackets’ lineup.
On the mound, Boyer started for Hayesville, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out seven. Senior Tate Roberts came in relief, earning the win with 2.1 innings pitched, surrendering just one earned run on two hits and striking out two. Together, the pitching duo limited Towns County to a .231 batting average, helping seal the victory.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets posted a .905 fielding percentage.
For Towns County, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, though their four-run second inning highlighted their resilience. The Indians managed six hits and six runs, three earned, against Hayesville’s pitching staff but couldn’t match the Jackets’ offensive firepower.
With the win, Hayesville builds momentum heading into their next matchup. The Yellow Jackets will hit the road on Friday, March 14, to face Andrews High School at 4:30 p.m.
Coming off an 11-1 rout of the Wildcats on Tuesday, March 11, Hayesville looks to continue their strong play against the Smoky Mountain Conference opponent.
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