Senior squad takes part in regional tournament

The local senior Little League baseball team, which is made up of players from Piggott, Rector, Corning and Marmaduke, competed in the Southwest Regional Tournament in Seguin, Tex. this past weekend.

The squad had qualified for the regional tournament by virtue of the state championship they earned in Blytheville last month, and had spent the past week and a half getting ready for the trip to Texas by conducting several fundraisers, and keeping their game sharp.

The first game for the local team was last Friday afternoon as they took on the state champs from New Mexico. In that first round game the local squad posted an impressive 14-4 win to advance in the winner's bracket. In the win the Arkansas team combined for 21 hits, with Piggott's Kyle Wright leading the way with a four- for-four performance including two doubles. Colby Lovelace worked five and two thirds innings before reaching the maximum pitch count, and took the win.

With the victory over New Mexico the Northeast Arkansas squad moved on to take on the host team, New Braunfels, Tex. on Saturday and lost by a final of 5-6 despite some excellent play.

Later on Saturday the local guys saw their season end at the hands of the Colorado state champions by a final of 15-4.

The team, which is coached by Billy Joe Seal of Piggott and Mike Taylor of Marmaduke, included several of the players who made the trip to Colorado last summer for the junior Little League regional tournament.

The coaches, players and parents offered their thanks to everyone who donated to their cause or helped with their fundraising efforts.