Epperson homers twice, Bears defeat Hornets 12-10
By Chad Wilson Sports Editor

Chad Wilson Photo Following his first inning homerun to straightaway center field Brownsboro's Ryan Epperson is congratulated by Bears' head coach Joe Fleming. Epperson homered twice in the game, his first game back from knee surgery.

Baseball is a team game. However there are those times when one player can make a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

Concluding the first half of District 14-3A play last Tuesday in Athens with a 12-10 win, Brownsboro's Ryan Epperson returned to the lineup in dramatic fashion.

After missing seven games recovering from knee surgery Epperson hammered the fourth pitch he'd seen from Athens starter Kyle Jones more than 375 feet. The homerun, his first of the season, gave the Bears a 3-0 lead.

In the third inning Epperson went yard once more driving in three more runs on a shot to right centerfield. The second homerun cut the Hornets lead to 8-6.

With Brad McDonald on second following his third double of the game and one out in the top of the eight inning Epperson was intentionally walked for the second consective at bat.

The runners advanced to second and third on a wild pitch before Daniel Suggs executed a perfect squeeze bunt towards the pitchers mound.

As the pitch was thrown to Suggs both Brownsboro base runners were moving. McDonald scored on a slidein from third base that forced the ball to the back stop.

Epperson, a senior, did not stop at third, instead he scored the final run of the game.

Setting the Bears up in position to win the game was the play of seniors Keaton Parsell and Collin Wilson.

Parsell pitched all eight innings for the Bears throwing over 100 pitches. He did not allow a run to score after adjusting his delivery following the third inning. He struck out ten Hornets.

Trailing 9-10 in the top of the seventh inning Brett Tidwell doubled to lead off the inning for the Bears. Athens recorded to quick outs before Wilson stepped to the plate.

Needing a run to extend the game, Wilson doubled off the centerfield wall. The hit allowed Tidwell to score from second.

Overall the Bears totaled 10 hits in the game, eight for extra bases.