The Checotah Wildcats brought the heat Thursday, exploding for a 13-5 victory over the Mannford Pirates in a high-energy showdown at the Beggs baseball tournament. With the win, the Wildcats notched their third triumph of the season, improving to 3-15 and building serious momentum.
Mannford struck first, sneaking in two runs in the top of the second. But the Wildcats wasted no time responding, and they did it with style. Capitalizing on back-to-back errors, Checotah stormed into the lead with three runs. Camden Ferguson then laced a clutch RBI single to make it 4-2.
Mannford managed to tie things up in the third, but Checotah wasn’t having it. Jim Rainbolt delivered a go-ahead single to put the Wildcats back on top, 6-4, and they never looked back.
The fourth inning was where the real fireworks went off. Checotah poured in five more runs on just two hits. Charles Collins took one for the team, getting hit by a pitch to drive in a run. Mason Rainbolt followed with a bases-loaded walk. Then came the knockout punch. Traegan Duvall ripped a tworun single, and Ferguson drew another walk to force in the fifth run of the inning. The scoreboard lit up, and the crowd loved every second.
On the mound, Mason Rainbolt was lights-out. He tossed five strong innings, giving up just one hit and five unearned runs while racking up 10 strikeouts. Pure dominance. Mannford’s Colton Wofford couldn’t keep pace, giving up nine runs (five earned) in three innings.
Duvall led the charge at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs from the seventh spot in the lineup. He and Rainbolt each finished with two hits, while Ferguson and Rainbolt showed patience with two walks apiece. The Wildcats worked the zone all night, drawing eight walks and keeping the pressure on.
For Mannford, Hagen Anderson managed the team’s lone hit, going 1-for-3.
This was a statement win for the Wildcats loaded with energy, smart plays, and a never- quit attitude.
The Wildcats fell to Catoosa 17-9 on Monday.
Catoosa swept Checotah on Tuesday with a 10-5 victory.
