Heritage romps with eight-run fifth

RINGGOLD, Ga. -- Heritage senior shortstop Tristan Tennant knew the moment had arrived Thursday night as he stepped into the batter's box against Region 7-AAAA rival Northwest Whitfield.

With the game tied at 2 entering the home half of the fifth inning, Tennant sensed the opportunity to provide his teammates and fans with a lasting memory from the Generals' senior night. By the time the fifth was in the books, Tennant had ignited an eight-run rally in which 12 Heritage batters came to the plate.

Tennant registered a single, a double, an RBI and two runs scored in the inning that locked the Generals' 10-2 victory and ensured a celebration.

"Everybody came out tonight motivated, and we really wanted it," Tennant said. "... We just started putting together some hits and made things happen."

The first time the teams met this season, homestanding Northwest cashed in some Heritage walks with timely hits that led to a big inning and a 6-5 Bruins victory.

"This game was similar to the game we played at their place," said Heritage coach Eric Beagles. "It comes down to can you put something together when you get guys on base. They did that at their place, and we were able to make things happen today.

"In the fifth, we were able to move some guys," he added. "We got some big hits today, and Tristan did some damage when he came to the plate."

Drake Dodd provided another big blow in the fifth that plated three men for the Generals and put what had been tight contest out of reach.

The Bruins (13-7, 10-4) grabbed an early lead on a two-run first-inning homer by Edwin Hernandez, but Heritage (15-8, 9-5) countered with two runs in fourth, gaining momentum heading into the fateful fifth.

"We weren't very intense tonight," said Bruins coach Todd Middleton, whose team is second in the region standings heading toward the state tournament. "We've got to refocus and get it back together. You can't take days off, because it's hard to turn it back on. We've got a week until the state tournament starts."

On a night commemorating the seniors, freshman Cole Wilcox turned in a dominating performance on the mound. Wilcox went six strong innings, striking out 11 batters and giving up only four hits to the Bruins.

"It was senior night, but everybody contributed, and the big thing was that we got a good win over a team that is always tough," Beagles said.

Contact Greg Thompson at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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