By Kyle Parmley
PINSON – A 13-run inning usually does the trick.
Pinson Valley blew the cap off a close game against Huffman with a huge fourth inning in the first game of a two-game set Thursday in the matchup of Class 6A, Area 12 squads.
The Indians (15-10, 3-1) took the first game by a margin of 15-1, using a few stellar offensive performances to fuel the victory. Jody Graves went 2-for-3 and drove in four runs, while teammates Gage Farley and Hunter Davidson knocked in three runs apiece.
Pinson Valley senior catcher Gage Farley
file photo by Ron Burkett
Huffman scored in the top of the first to take a brief lead, one that was erased in Pinson Valley’s opening at-bat. The Indians scored two in the bottom of the first and scored the rest of its runs in the fourth inning.
With the big inning, the game only lasted five innings. Raul Tafoya went the distance on the mound for Pinson Valley. He gave up five hits, racked up six strikeouts and didn’t allow a walk.
The second game of the afternoon doesn’t count toward either team’s area record, but the Indians cruised to a 5-0 victory to sweep the doubleheader. Blake Mayes got the start on the hill and allowed a single hit with six strikeouts. Baker Hodge knocked in a run, as he went 1-for-3.
The sweep of Huffman puts Pinson Valley into a tie for first place in Area 12 with Shades Valley. The Indians and Mounties will face each other in the final area series of the season on April 7 and April 9. The winner of the series is guaranteed a spot in the Class 6A state playoffs. The loser’s fate will be determined by the results of the Clay-Chalkville and Huffman series, with the Cougars remaining in the mix for a playoff berth as well.
