Cougars top rival Marmaduke to open season with victory

The Cougars struck first, breaking the scoreless game open with four runs in the third inning. Dalton Shaw doubled to give Rector a runner with one out. James Bradshaw and Logan Buck drew consecutive walks to load the bases. Clinton Haley brought Shaw and Bradshaw in with a double, putting the visitors up 2-0. The Cougars loaded the bases again as the next batter, Justin Duke, drew a walk. Cody Hager added to the lead, scoring Buck and Haley on a double to make it 4-0 in Rector's favor.

Rector scored their final run of the game in the top half of the fourth. Dan Blackshare drew a lead-off walk. Shaw hit another double to put runners on second and third with no outs. Bradshaw brought Blackshare home on a squeeze bunt

Marmaduke refused to go quietly, though. Dexter Jordan started the fourth inning with a single for the Greyhounds. He would score the first run for the red and white squad on a Rector fielding error. A Dane Barnum double later in the frame brought Marmaduke one run closer, 5-2.

In the end, the Cougars' third inning offensive onslaught proved to be the difference, as neither team would cross the plate again over the final three innings.

The win comes against not only a rival Marmaduke program, but a team which also went all the way to the state finals a year ago.

"That's a big win," Cougar skipper Nate Henderson said. "It's a good way to start the season."

Buck threw a complete game for the Cougars and didn't give the 'Hounds too many chances to put runs on the board.

"I thought Logan did a good job for us on the mound," Henderson said. "He did a good job and stayed under control. That's the kind of outing we want from him every time."

Buck allowed one earned run on four hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Jordan took the loss for Marmaduke, giving up four earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts and six walks in five innings.

Shaw led the Cougar batters with a two for three effort with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. Also hitting safely were Hager with a two-run double, Haley with a double and two RBIs, and a double each for Duke and Zac Trayler.

Rector was slated to host Riverside Tuesday before visiting Piggott for a 4 p.m. game Friday. The Cougars will also take part in a junior varsity tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday in Piggott. Rector will visit Cherry Valley to face Cross County at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Buffalo Island Central will visit Rector for action at 4 p.m. Tuesday.