‘No Regrets’ As Season Ends
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WATER VALLEY – The strongest season the Water Valley Blue Devil baseball team has recorded in more than a decade ended with a tough 3-1 loss against Booneville Monday night in the final game of the third round of playoffs.
“There are a lot of years when you end the season and walk off the field with regrets. We had nothing to regret,” Coach Jeb Lee reported about the season that ended with a 23 – 7 record and the second consecutive 20-win season for his team.
The Booneville Blue Devils put two runs on the scoreboard in the opening inning, and then the teams went toe-to-toe for three scoreless innings. Freshman pitcher Tyler Richardson started for the WV Blue Devils, only allowing two runs and four hits in three innings. Colby Lafayette relieved the freshman started and held the defending state champs to one final run in the last inning.
“We pitched really well, they are good hitters. Tyler gave us a big start and Colby did everything we needed,” Lee noted.
The WV Blue Devils’ sole run came in the fifth inning with a single by Dre McCray, driving Hayden Eubanks home.
“We had good at-bats, we just couldn’t get runs when we had opportunities,” Lee added about his teams’ offensive effort.
Reflecting on the season, the coach noted that his team has fared well in the close games like Monday night. “I lost count of the walk-off victories and one-run wins. I am very proud of this group and what they accomplished.”
Lee added that team effort includes his two assistant coaches – Matt Wolfenbarger and Cole Camp – and every single player. He cited consistence as the defining characteristic.
“They were the same kids every day, never too high or too low. They showed up every day, competed and had fun. They did everything I ever asked and are just a pleasure to be around,” Lee said. “I think that is why they had so much success.”
Monday night’s ticket count was 485 as fans from both sides poured into the stadium, a strong tally for a Monday night game. Lee said a group of students still were standing by the home dugout as the night ended and the crowd faded.
“I told them that from the bottom of my heart, thank-you for the support,” Lee said. “I want to thank the entire community for your support. When I took over this program six years ago, Monday night was what I envisioned. Bringing the community together, strong buy-in to the program. I am very appreciative for the fan support.”