Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs’ baseball team swept the Wetumpka Indians, their biggest rival, in two games, winning 7-4 and 4-1, to clinch the Class 6A Area 4 championship. The area championship ensures the Mustangs will host the 1st round of the Class 6A playoffs next week at Furlow Field on the SEHS campus.
“Our rivalry has been one of the best I’ve seen,” said Coach Kaleb Shuman. “It is always a hard fought series that goes back and forth. There have been lots of outstanding players for both teams in recent years. Both teams really get after it, and play the game the right way, while keeping the ‘chirping’ and unnecessary stuff to a minimum. For competitors, it is always a lot of fun to be a part of.”
In game 1 at Furlow Field on Tuesday, April 8, the Mustangs trailed 3-2 but scored two runs in the bottom of the 5th inning and three runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Mustangs’ pitcher Tyler Woodham went 6.2 innings and got the win, while Luke Payne got the save. Jordan Jones had 3 RBIs for the Mustangs.
In game 2 at Wetumpka on Thursday, April 10, the Mustangs scored all four runs in the top half of the 5th inning. Romney Henry had two RBIs and Jones and Mac Boswell each had one RBI. Bryson Wright got the win and Payne got another save.
“It feels great to see our guys accomplish a goal we set and to see their hard work rewarded,” said Head Coach Kaleb Shuman. “It also gives our guys the opportunity to play at home again, in a playoff environment as well. Hopefully, we will have a great turnout from the school and the community to see them accomplish our next goal of winning the next playoff series.”
With the sweep of the Indians, the Mustangs’ record improves to 20-12 overall, and 5-0 in area play. Stanhope Elmore has won their last seven games and is streaking at the right time, as the playoffs begin next weekend.
“Our guys have been extremely resilient all year. They have faced adversity time and time again and haven’t flinched. They have given themselves a chance in almost every game this year. They understand the real reason starts when area play begins, and they have found another gear: they’ve really started learning from their previous mistakes, limiting free bases on the mound and defensively, maintaining focus throughout the game, and never panicking,” said Coach Shuman.
The Mustangs will host a Class 6A 1st round matchup against Theodore High School in a doubleheader at Furlow Field beginning next Friday at 5:00 p.m., with a third game Saturday, if necessary.
