Pioneers defeated by Dyersburg State
By: Nick Kieser
GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — The Volunteer State Community College Pioneers (6-15) have been swept at home (0-3) against Dyersburg State Community College. Taking the series in three games the Eagles are in the midst of a four-game winning streak.
Game one saw Corey Wilson on the mound for his fifth start of the season. Totaling three strikeouts, four runs, and six hits. Wilson managed to play through five innings in his third consecutive start.
Through five innings of play, the visiting Eagles were on top 4-3 and piled on four unanswered runs to come out with the 8-3 victory on Friday, March 15. In nine innings of play, the Pioneers utilized five pitchers. See box score for stats.
Game two of three Jack Sensing would start and get through five innings before being pulled. Dalton Heath relieved his teammate to come in for an inning. Preston Burnett came in for Heath to close the game out. Sensing totaled six strikeouts in his third start of the season.
Defeated 2-0 in game two the Pioneers had more opportunities to come back, however pitching and hitting improved from after seeing the Eagles in the nine-inning game. Four hits total in the loss with Lofton Cotton totaling two and Will Dunlap totaling two as well.
"It has been the same story the past two series now. It's been having hits at the right time and maybe having a strikeout at the right time. We haven't been clutch enough yet. I'd say to have more kinds of those plays to happen," said starting pitcher Chase Haley.
Game three Haley tossed for nine strikeouts, six hits, four runs, and all in four innings pitched. Starting his second game as a Pioneer Haley now (1-2) has pitched 24 strikeouts total this season in six appearances.
"I feel like I had a great day honestly. Other than what the scoreboard read I felt good overall. I do have confidence all through our bullpen and it has been consistent for the most part. I don't doubt our bullpen, and I felt that whoever came in had as good as a chance as I did to get out of the inning," said Haley.
Will Dunlap the designated hitter was three for three batting through the two games today. The hits Dunlap had kickstarted the offense to begin a surge of offense.
"We are going to have to have more focus to compete against Walters. Their pitching and hitting staff are some of the countries best. We are going to have to be ready to hit fastballs and we just need more confidence on defense," said Dunlap on how to prepare for the next series on the road against Walters State Community College.
Heading back on the road is what the Pioneers will do come this Thursday evening to go take on Walters State (20-4). The Senators are (7-0) in conference play sweeping Southwest Tennessee Community College in the most recent series. Walters will play three times on the road before the Pioneers visit Morristown, Tennessee.
"What happened has happened and we can take it how we wanted. We can either roll over and give in for the season or we can keep fighting. With Walters coming up you cannot be intimidated and I do not think we are as a team," said Haley.
"There's nothing that is impossible that could happen. Baseball is day-to-day and anything can happen. You have to play the game and not let it play you," said Dunlap leading up to preparation this week.
The Pioneers will face the Cumberland Univesity JV squad on Monday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. To follow the Pioneer baseball program follow @VSCCPioneersBSB for all the latest news and updates surrounding the team.