Sequatchie County senior Kollyn Cooper slides into third base on a successful double steal during Saturday’s Class AA sectional against Signal Mountain in Dunlap, Tenn. Sequatchie stole seven bases in the 5-1 victory.DUNLAP, Tenn. – Collin Hudson threw his baseball glove high in the air and made no effort to dodge the teammates who dogpiled on top of him just beyond the pitcher’s mound.
Sequatchie County brought a Murfreesboro-or-bust mentality to its Class AA sectional Saturday, stealing seven bases in the first three innings and providing stellar defense behind ace Hudson for a 5-1 victory over Signal Mountain.
For the first time since 1996, the Indians are headed to the state tournament, which begins Tuesday. Sequatchie (25-10-1) opens against Loudon (23-9) at 7:30 p.m. EDT at Smyrna High School. Class AA games will also be played at Murfreesboro’s Blackman High School, with the final set for Friday at Middle Tennessee State.
“This is big for all these guys, the community and our school,” Sequatchie coach Derrin Easterly said. “We have a big-time fan whose name is Timmy who comes to every game he can, and our team loves him. To see him and everyone else so excited is special for us all.”
Sequatchie County sophomore Bodie Terry heads toward third base during Saturday’s Class AA sectional matchup with Signal Mountain. The Indians’ speed helped them clinch the program’s first state berth since 1996.Sequatchie senior Trevor Ritchie provided plenty of excitement. After a successful double steal by the Indians in the first inning, he singled to drive in the game’s first two runs. In the third inning, Ritchie stole home as both pitcher and catcher were caught off guard.