Nationals down Chipley

The Marianna Dixie Youth AA National All Stars stayed in contention for another day of competition after defeating Chipley 16-13 Monday night in Paxton.

The win had a two-fold positive side, after the Marianna American League team falling to Chipley in district action on Friday night.

Marianna was forced to play with only 11 players, rather than the rostered 12, due to the illness of Carey Griffin. It was not known at press time if Griffin would be able to return to the line up for Tuesday night’s game.

Chipley jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one inning of play. After two complete innings, the Marianna Nationals trailed 5-1. The third inning was all Marianna, as they shut out their opponents while plating six runs to go up 7-5.

The offensive showing continued in the fourth inning, with Marianna picking up four runs while holding Chipley to three, taking an 11-8 lead into the fifth inning. Marianna allowed Chipley to plate only one run in the top of the fifth inning while they adding five.

Although Chipley attempted a rally in the top of the sixth and final inning, they fell short, scoring only four runs. Marianna did not have to bat in the bottom of the inning.

Offensively, Marianna was led by Riley Torbett, who was 3-for-4 with five RBI, followed closely by Loren Waldron, who was 3-4 with three RBI. Jakil Snowden also went 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Riley Arunakul and Jashon Rhymes were both 3-for-4 with one RBI.

Gannon Davis, Corey Akerson, and Caleb Torbett were all 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Max Olds was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Dekarion Sims was 1-for-2.

Defensively, Coach Rex Torbett made some changes in the second inning, moving Riley Torbett to first and Rhymes to shortstop, with Arunakul moving to the mound. Olds was moved from behind the plate to third, while Waldron took over the catching duties. Torbett said all the players did a great job with their new positions.

Marianna was scheduled to take on Ponce de Leon Tuesday night at 6 p.m. A win will keep their hopes alive for a district championship. A loss would eliminate them from competition. Three of the seven teams have been eliminated.