Yellow Jackets dominant in home opener

Photo by Travis Dockery / Michael Mauney hits the dirt to complete a inside the park homerun to leadoff the Jacket's half of the first inning as teammates Braxton Cherry (No.2) and Avery Leatherwood cheer him on.

The Hayesville Yellow Jackets came out swinging in their home opener against the Andrews Wildcats on Tuesday, March 21. The Yellow Jackets used an 8 run first inning as a foundation for a 10-0 shutout victory over their Smoky Mountain Conference opponent.

Andrews got a runner on in the top of the first, but a great pickoff move from Hayesville's starting pitcher Braxton Cherry cleared the bases and ended the threat.

In their half of the inning, the Jackets plated 8 runs, the first of which was courtesy of the first batter. Michael Mauney swatted a Wildcat pitch into the gap between center and right field and turned on the jets. Head coach Joe Jack Sellers created a breeze as he waved Mauney home, where he hit the dirt and beat the throw for a lead-off homerun. The hits kept coming for the Jackets while solid pitching and strong defense kept the Wildcats off the board.

Hayesville improves to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference. The Jackets will look to repeat the feat Thursday, March 23 when they hit the road to face Andrews again. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Travis Dockery / Senior Avery Leatherwood sees a pitch he likes and drills it to the outfield for a double.

Key Performances

Michael Mauney: 3-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, homerun

Payton McGaha: Triple, RBI

Avery Leatherwood: Double, 1 run scored

Braxton Cherry: Double, RBI, 3 innings pitched, 1 hit, 6 strikeouts, 1 walk.

Chance Hughes: 3 innings pitched, 1 hit, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks.