Bears to defend title against Parkers Chapel
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.— The Spring Hill Bears were destined for this opportunity.
The Bears (26-3) will attempt to defend their Class 2A state baseball crown aga ins t Parkers Chapel (277) at Baum Stadium on the campus of the University of Arkansas today at 12:30 p.m.
“We ’ve fought hard all season to get back to this posi- tion,” Spring Hill head coach James Brown said. “Not very many teams go back-to-back but we’re going to try to win us another state championship.”
Spring Hill breezed through this postseason, with their only defeat coming from Parkers Chapel by way of run-rule, 14-4 in the regional finals.
The Bears defeated Des Arc, 7-6, and Conway Christian, 7-3, in the state tournament en route to the rematch with the Trojans in Fayetteville.
“I know there is a bit of a rivalry there with us and them,” Brown said. “We’re going to take that with a grain of salt and focus in on what we have to do to be successful. Hitting the ball isn’t a concern, these kids love to hit the ball. Our senior leaders have really worked
on hitting the ball in practice and that has trickled down to the younger guys. They see these major leaguers hitting the ball and they have really worked on it.
“We’ve really mastered that part of our game. Defensively, we have to step up. Errors are going to happen but we have to stay in the game, while keeping those runs off the scoreboard for the opposing team.”
Spring Hill proved this season they can keep their opponents from the scoreboard. During the 2018 season, the Bears played 21 games while holding their opponents to four runs or less. The Bears only lost two of the 21 games during that span.
“Giving our guys the mentality that it’s just another baseball game is what we plan to do,” Brown said. “Don’t get worked up on all the hype, the big rivalry or even us big the slight underdog. Don’t give into that stuff and just play baseball.
“I think these guys do a real good job of just going out and not letting all the pressure get to them. I think that’s what is going to happen. I have a lot of confidence in these kids. I know they’re going to go out and give it their all.”
The defensive starters for the Bears are Levi Kidd at first base, Justin Lecher at second base, Will Phillips at shortstop, Wesley Featherson at third base, Lewis Chambers in left field, Cameron Powell in center and Rusty Orr in right field. Kaleb Blair will start on the hill and Cameron Middleton will handle the catching duties.
Parkers Chapel has defeated Murfreesboro, Magnet Cove, Spring Hill, McCory and Palestine-Wheatley, on its way to the state championship.
The Trojans have outscored opponents a combined 53-18 this postseason.
“My top guy throws in the low 70’s, so he’s not going to blow it by anybody,” Brown said. “He can really hit his spots and he has a few different pitches he can us. We’re going to keep the runs off the scoreboard. I feel like going into it, we have the advantage on the mound. That’s going to play a big outcome in the game.”