Harper Embraces Lifestyle

Jana Harper: Contributions On The Home Front Tigers Seeded Second

Editor’s Note — This is a behind the scenes look from the perspective of local coaches’ wives as part of a Mother’s Day tribute series.

FARMINGTON PRAIRIE GROVE — Despite having the number-two seed locked up for the upcoming district tournament, the Prairie Grove Tigers (18-4, 6-1) kept their foot on the gas.

Already assured of the automatic regional tournament berth that comes with the number-two seed, Prairie Grove recorded a pair of victories last week.

The Tigers faced the Farmington Cardinals on Wednesday, beating their friendly rivals 9-4, in an exhibition contest held at Arvest Ballpark. This is the third season in a row the Tigers and Cardinals have met on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals home field.

With opportunity to play on a pristine field, both teams treat the game as a reward for their ballclubs’ hard work during the season, allowing all players a chance to play on the field and not counting the results towards their respective records.

“It’s a really great time to come out, relax and just have fun,” said Tigers’ coach Mitch Cameron, adding, “It’s nice to be able to play on a really nice field and allow everyone a chance to experience it.”

The Tigers took their next game a little more serious, when they closed out their conference schedule with a 10-0 pounding of the Gravette Lions on Thursday, in a contest played at Rieff Park in Prairie Grove.

“I think we already had the number-two seed (for district tournament) wrapped up, but it was still nice to come out and keep our momentum going heading into the tournament,” Cameron said. “I really think our confidence is good right now.”

Tiger ace Aaron Kincaid improved his record to (6-1) after shutting out the Lions for five innings. Kincaid yielded just four hits, while striking out six Gravette batters along the way. Dillon Cates relieved Kincaid in the sixth inning and allowed just one hit, while striking out one Lion hitter.

Keelon Henderson continued swinging the heavy lumber for Prairie Grove. The Junior was 3-for-3 with two RBIS and one run scored. Henderson singled in Prairie Grove’s second run in the first inning, giving the Tigers a 2-0 advantage.

Landon West’s sacrifice fly in the third inning scored Henderson and then Creyton Ledbetter drove in Nick Sugg and Garret Smith with a single, inflating Prairie Grove’s lead to 5- 0.

Weston Bartholomew opened the fourth inning with a triple and was followed by Ty

MARK HUMPHREY