Sulphur Springs Pulls Away For 9-4 Win Over Tyler Lee At Rose City Classic

TYLER -- A back-and-forth game between Sulphur Springs and Tyler Lee came down to the final inning, which saw the Wildcats plate five runs in the top of the seventh for a 9-4 victory Saturday night at the Rose City Classic at Mike Carter Field.

The big blast came from the bat of Texas A&M football pledge and Sulphur Springs cleanup hitter Larry Pryor, who ripped a three-run triple to right-center field during Sulphur Springs' five-run seventh. Pryor, playing his first game since finishing the basketball season, finished 3-for-4 with the triple, one double, one single, three RBIs, and two runs scored from the designated hitter spot.

Brennan Brock's RBI single and Ben Brooks' RBI sacrifice fly accompanied Pryor's three-run triple to provide the Wildcats with their five runs in the decisive frame. Lee got two base runners in the bottom of the inning thanks to a walk and an error, but couldn't plate a run to stage a comeback.

Lee had already fought back twice after falling behind 1-0 early and 4-3 in the top of the sixth.

Lee scored one run apiece in the third, fourth, fifth, and six innings, building a 3-1 advantage before Sulphur Springs put a three-spot on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth thanks in part to three walks, two errors, and one wild pitch. Brooks had an RBI groundout that gave the Wildcats a momentary 4-3 edge. He finished with two RBIs.

Clayton Hodges tied the game for Lee on his two-out RBI single in the bottom of the sixth, setting the stage for Sulphur Springs' big seventh.

Sulphur Springs right-hander Garrett Hood pitched a complete game, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Hood reached base on all four of his plate appearances: one single and three walks.

Lee's Jacob Kuehn had an RBI single, while Garrett Hudson singled twice. Sulphur Springs' Landon Brock went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs.

Lee starting pitcher Parker Bates got a no decision after pitching 5 1/3 innings. He allowed three runs, only two earned, with four strikeouts and three walks.