The DeKalb West Bulldogs held on to nip Smith County this week after the visitors scored five runs in the final inning, turning a lopsided game into a nail-biter.

The middle school squad was sitting pretty after an explosive third inning where they plated five runs, putting them up 5-0. They were led in hitting by Gabe Hollingsworth who went two-for-three. Meanwhile it was foursome on the mound as Konnor Young went most of the way, pitching three innings, giving up only two hits while fanning three batters. Gabe Hollingsworth pitched an inning, giving up four hits and four earned runs in the fifth. Brayden Carter and Cam Caballero both pitched parts of an inning, giving up a grand total of two hits. In the end, both DeKalb and Smith finished with eight hits apiece.

The big fifth for Smith County made the score 6-6 going into the final inning. However, A Ty Webb shot gave the Bulldogs the lead and the victory.

The celebration was short-lived as the following night the Bulldogs ran into a buzz saw against Upperman as the Bees stung them, 13-0 despite just outhitting their hosts eight to four. For Upperman it was the first and fourth innings as they plated six runs in both while surrendering none the entire game.

The Bulldogs ended this past week with a loss to Cannon in a 2-0 pitcher’s duel that saw DeKalb held to one hit while they surrendered just three base knocks to the Lions. In the area of pitching, Jordan Parker worked two-and-a-quarter innings and gave up just one hit but surrendered five walks. Briz Trapp worked two-and-two-thirds innings and gave up two hits while walking two. Both pitchers fanned three Lions. However, with Konnor Young picking up the only hit for the Bulldogs, they were unable to challenge despite the great defensive day.

The Bulldogs go to Livingston Friday night before taking a rest for Spring Break.