Diamond Tigers’ Hunt For Early Season Wins Come Up Empty

With two losses under their belts and a whole season in front of them, the Commerce baseball Tigers are still looking for the big finish.

The Tigers rescheduled Tuesday’s Franklin County away game due to the snow. Commerce will now host the Franklin Lions today (Wednesday) at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.

On Saturday, the Tigers are scheduled to take on the Jefferson Dragons.

The game was originally the second meeting for the season, but due to rain the first game was canceled. Jefferson has split its opening games with a loss to Oconee County and a win over Madison County.

Commerce could use a win over their rivals, as the Tigers have gone winless since 2006 against the Dragons.

Opening pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. in Jefferson.

Banks County
Commerce opened the season on Friday against Banks County in Homer. The Tigers made a late show in the game, scoring all of their runs in the fifth inning after Banks got out to a 9-0 lead in the first four. Banks held on to take the win, 10-8.

“We have got to make the routine plays and swing the bats for seven innings and not try to turn on the switch late in the game,” said coach Steve Cotrell. “We are still feeling our way right now until we can get in a routine and play a little more facing live pitching.”

Taking an undeserved loss on the mound after two innings pitched, Carl Allen sat down four of 14 batters, giving up three hits and six unearned runs.

Colton Davis pitched three innings, giving up one earned run off of three hits from 13 batters. Josh Swisstak threw an inning, giving up two hits and one earned run.

At the plate, Commerce was slow getting started as Banks fended the Tigers off until the fifth inning. In the fifth, Commerce cut the Banks lead down to one run.

For more Tiger baseball see The Commerce News.