Bobcats Forge Rematch Revenge Against Fouke

After suffering a double defeat on Tuesday, the Hope Bobcats were given a chance to redeem themselves in a rematch against the Fouke Panthers. In a much improved display, the Bobcats showed up to fight Thursday, winning 6-2.

Leading the charge for the Cats was the defense, who put up a valiant effort for a full seven innings only allowing two runs and four hits. Riley Bramlett, Jaiden Brown, Cayden Haywood, and Drake Mathis all contributed crucial plays around the bases, while the outfield trio of Donny Reaves, Austin Courtney, and Aiden Dean held down the fort in the backfield. Starring in the defense especially however was Pitcher Sam Johnson, who was lights out on the mound, striking out nine Panthers.

The offense, while not as dominant all around, produced when it needed to most. While their first three runs were scored on an error and two loaded base walks, the offense, lead by Jaiden Brown and Austin Courtney , clutched the game in the bottom of the sixth. Israel Juarez batted first, being walked, while Jaiden Brown continued the offense by hitting the ball and getting Israel to 3rd and going to 1st himself. Then, Austin Courtney stepped up to the plate, and beautifully struck the ball into the outfield for a double while driving in Israel and Jaiden, making the score 5-2. Austin eventually ended up stealing 3rd, and finally scoring a run of his own on a wild pitch, to tally the score of the game to 6-2 Bobcats.

We soon asked sixth inning hero Austin Courtney about how the Bobcats improved their game after their disappointing De Queen match ups until now. “ Well for one, we actually went out there with some confidence and we were all putting the bat to the ball. The defense played a heck of a game with Sam [Johnson] pitching the best we’ve seen. I’m just glad we got over the hump and hopefully we can continue this form.”

The Bobcats will now be tasked with facing the Camden Fairview Cardinals on the road. The game will be played on April 7th, at 5:00 pm.