2D » Sunday, March 27, 2016 » THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL ««

In the news Bartlett went 33-9 Tigers fall in series finale to Southern Ill. last season and reached Southern Illinois used a five-run fourth inning to rally the AAA past the University of Memphis for an 11-5 victory on semifinals Saturday at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. for coach With the victory, Southern Illinois (14-8-1) captured Josh Stew- the three-game weekend series, 2-1. art. Despite U of M starter Matt Ferguson allowed just one hit losing through the first three innings before the Salukis ex- several key ploded in the fourth. Ferguson lasted 3¥ innings allow- players, the ing five runs on five hits. Panthers Center fielder Darien Tubbs led the U of M ofense, return two going 3-for-3 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. Chris all-state Carter and Brandon Grudzielanek added solo home runs performers for the Tigers (9-14). in outfielder Memphis will return to FedExPark to host Arkansas Josh Am- State at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday before facing Ole Miss at 6:30 mons and p.m.WednesdayatAutoZonePark.TheTigerswillreturn pitcher Josh to FedExPark for a weekend series, opening the American Smith. Athletic Conference slate by playing host to UCF. YALONDA M. JAMES THE COMMERCIAL Lee’s 2-run homer lifts Tigers to series win APPEAL Brooke Lee drove home all of the University of Mem- phis’ runs with a two-run home run, while sophomore PREPS pitcher Molly Smith struck out 10 UConn batters, as the Tigers took the deciding game of the American Athletic Conference series over the Huskies with a 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon at the Tigers Softball Complex. Area rich with baseball talent Memphis (18-17, 2-1 AAC) was led ofensively by Lee, who drove in Lindsey Stickrod with a third-inning home ■ Alookatthetop whole new look this year. Several shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the run. Stickrod went a perfect 3-for-3, raising her batting key players have graduated and Jef return of four-year starters Jack Ken- averageontheseasonto.324.Theteam’sotherthreehits Shelby-Metro teams Munier, an assistant for the past 10 ley (shortstop) and Ayrton Schafer came from Lindsay Crowdus, Tyler Johnson and Calli Irvin. seasons, takes over from the retired (outfielder), along with catcher Cul- The 10 strikeouts were a creer high for Smith, who shut JefHopkins. Houston looks to be len Ray and first baseman Cooper out UConn (11-20, 1-2) in the series opener on Thursday By John Varlas the favorite in the district and in Bullough. whilenotallowinganearnedrunforthefourthconsecu- [email protected] the region, but players like Justin Munford: Former CBHS standout tive start. Over her last five starts she has given up just 901-529-2350 Fowlkes (45 strikeouts in 41 innings, Jake Garbuzinski is hoping the Cou- two earned runs, including two shutouts and at least 1.87 ERA), Brayden Green (2-0, 1.67 gars continue in the right direction eight strikeouts in four of those five contests. High school baseball season is un- ERA), first baseman Adam Sand- in his second season as coach. And The Tigers return to action at 4 p.m. Wednesday when derway and here are the teams and erlin, catcher-third baseman Chris so far so good; they had won eight they face Murray State in the final game of an eight-game players you need to know about. Shaw and first baseman-outfielder heading into the weekend after to- homestand. Arlington: The tradition-rich Adam Hall will keep Collierville ex- taling just 15 all last year. Vanderbilt Tigers will be formidable again. tremely competitive. signee Joe Fulcher and senior Jacob NadalquitsinthirdsetatMiamiOpen Hayden Edwards has won his first Covington: Despite their youth Sawyers are two terrific pitchers three starts while Tyler Gentry, (four freshman starters), Coving- while Sawyers’ .310 batting averages Rafael Nadal slumped in a changeover chair, the blood Hunter Goodman, Tyler Hubbard ton has gotten out of the gate well. is best among the returnees. Garrett pressure gauge strapped to his mighty left arm serving and Tate Kolwyck will generate TopreturneeEthanWhitley(.325,32 Baugh, Corey Simmons and Dusty as a scoreboard. plenty of ofenseinwhatshouldbea RBI) moves to third and the outfield Baker will also contribute. He was on the verge of defeat, and a few points later competitive district and region race. after starting the last two years at MUS: They aren’t a lot of seniors he retired from a match for the first time in six years. Bartlett: After reaching the AAA shortstop. Bo Tyler Smith (3-4) will on the roster but, thankfully for Nadal faded in the subtropical heat and conceded af- semifinals last year and finishing anchor the stafwhile freshman second-year coach John Jarnagin, ter falling behind in the third set of his opening match 33-9, Josh Stewart lost several key Christian Delashmit has pitched there is some good talent. Freshman Saturday at the Miami Open at Key Biscayne, Florida, contributors to graduation. That, well early. outfielder Maurice Hampton has al- against Damir Dzumhur. combined with a tough early sched- Craigmont: The Chiefs have ready drawn considerable college The No. 5-seeded Nadal trailed 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 when he ule, means it may take the Panthers a grown into a solid program under interest while junior Evan Smith is called it quits after losing a point to fall behind 30-15. He while to gel. But two all-state players Matthew Hester, winning back-to- solid behind the plate. Steven Regis, had earlier consulted with a trainer between games three return — outfielder Josh Ammons back district titles and going unde- Chris Roberts and Jesse Homan an- times, and had his blood pressure checked. (.494) and pitcher Josh Smith (1.26 featedin16-AA sincedropping down chor the staf. His departure left the draw without three of the five ERA). Outfielder Barrett Taylor and in 2014. Marshall Massie (10-0 last Northpoint: Louis Steen (.430) and highest-seeded men. No. 4 Stan Wawrinka lost to Andrey shortstop Jacob Nobles will play big year) and Eddie Cole (over 60 career brothers Nathan and Collin Tatko Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-3, and No. 3 Roger Federer withdrew roles as well. stolen bases) are the top players back will be the ofensive keys for Zack Friday because of a stomach virus. Bolton: After dropping their from last year’s 22-4 squad. Miller’s Trojans, who are looking to Eight-time champion Serena Williams avoided the up- first two games of the year, Scotty DeSoto Central: It will be a rebuild- improve on last year’s 13-13 season. set bug and seemed unfazed by the weather. The South Yount’s Wildcats had won seven ing year for coach Mark Monaghan’s St. Benedict: First-year head coach Floridian earned her 20th consecutive victory at Key in a row heading into the weekend. Jaguars,wholostatonoftalentfrom Brandon Patton inherits several Biscayne and reached the fourth round by beating Zarina Dylan Vatter needed just 82 pitches last year’s state championship team. key returnees from last year’s 26-12 Diyas 7-5, 6-3. in seven innings in a three-hitter Middle infielder Bradley Smith (.357, team. Shortstop Will Huber batted against Kickapoo (Mo.) on Friday. 23 runs), outfielder Markarius Lee .286 and scored 18 runs as a fresh- HORSE RACING Austin Watt is another good arm (20 runs) and pitcher Trey Jones are man while first baseman Daniel ■ Gun Runner punched his ticket for the Kentucky while outfielders Larkey Dotson the top returnees. Vailes(.385)andcatcherChasePhil- Derby on Saturday, pulling away for a commanding and Trey Boren will provide plenty ECS: Duke Williams has some big lips (.305, 22 RBI) also return. Rayne victory in the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds in of pop in the order. shoes to fill from last year’s 25-12 Dennis went 4-3 with a 1.87 ERA in New Orleans. Tom’s Ready,oneoftwoentriesownedby Briarcrest: After reaching state in team but there’s still plenty of tal- 2015 while junior Seth Graham, who Gayle Benson,wifeofNewOrleansSaintsownerTom 2015, the Saints have some holes to ent in the senior and junior classes. will pitch and play outfield, heads the Benson, was second, and Dazzling Gem third. ... Califor- fill but will still be right in the mix, First baseman-third baseman Mason list of newcomers. nia Chrome became the highest-earning thoroughbred thanks in large part to one of the top Hutto (.301) is the top returning hit- St. George’s: Despite some big in North American history Saturday when he impres- pitchers in the state in junior Hugh ter while Riley Watkins (1.93 ERA) losses, coach Buzz Walthall thinks sively and decisively won the $10 million Dubai Gold Fisher. Coach Craig Hopkins will be and Seth Faris (1.75 ERA) will anchor last year’s D2-A state champs have a Cup at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates. hoping the bats warm up, though; the pitching staf. chance to be even better in 2016. In- The 5-year-old Chrome had more than $6.5 million in Briarcrest scored just 22 runs in its Germantown: The Red Devils fielder Stephen East, who batted .429, earnings before winning $6 million in Saturday’s race. first seven games. struggledtoan11-21finishin2015but is the top returning hitter and he’ll The former record-holder was Curlin,withabout$10.5 Center Hill: Neil Frederic thinks should be better this time around. get plenty of support in the order million in earnings. his veteran squad has enough to Casey Callaway welcomes back from catcher-outfielder Colin Tru- venture into “uncharted territory” just about everyone, led by infielder itt and outfielder Judson Scott. Ben COLLEGES and challenge for its first district ti- Landon Horne (.425) and outfield- Glass, who also batted .375, Travis ■ The No. 33 ranked University of Memphis men’s tle this year. Much will be expected ers Myles Montgomery (.324) and Kelly, Harris Kearney and Graham tennis team (12-8, 2-1 American) swept a pair of matches from shortstop Parker Haberstroh, Dacoda Stone (.329), seniors all. Sisson are the keys to what should on Saturday, defeating conference foe Temple 7-0 and utility man Zac Gilder, catcher C.J. Harding: The Lions are breaking be a fine pitching staf. blanking Arkansas Pine Bluf, as well. Memphis built the Dunn and pitcher-designated hitter in a beautiful new field this year and Tipton-Rosemark: Brad Smith’s lead against Temple with wins at one and two singles, Drew Hurdle. Pitcher Austin Pace will have a good-looking team to go group will be young but the vet- then swept all six singles matches, including a super already has three wins to his credit. with it. Senior Jake Criswell will eran coach said he’s already gotten tiebreak for junior Louis Asser at number six. In the af- CBHS: Last year’s Division 2-AA become the school’s all-time win- alotofenjoymentoutofwatching ternoon match, Memphis again won the doubles point, state champs have taken some losses ningest pitcher at some point this his team develop so far. Shortstop sealingthepointwithwinsattwoandthree,thenswept early (thanks to a brutal schedule) year and also batted .344 in 2015. Brandon Winfield (.321, 30 runs, 27 all six matches, again using a super tiebreak for a win, but Buster Kelso’s men will be right Nathan Ruble and Noah Sharp are RBI), pitcher-first baseman Houston this one for Kai Lemke. back in the title hunt this May. In- also quality arms while Jake Sut- Hall (6-3, 40 strikeouts in 45 innings, ■ Visiting West Florida scored a run in the seventh fielder William Locke, infielder- ton, Casey Harford, Ty Wooton .360)and pitcher Corey Mitson (3-3, and four in the ninth to claim a 5-0 win over Christian pitcher Landon Kelly, pitcher Mi- and Chris Swanberg will generate 47 strikeouts in 40.2 innings) head Brothers at Nadicksbernd Field. Peyton Sanderlin (Col- chael Feather and infielder-catcher ofense. the returnees. lierville) threw eight innings for the Bucs, allowing one JohnLouisBlandarethetopreturn- Houston: Astatetitleisalways Whitehaven: Rodney Saulsberry run on seven hits and two walks against five strikeouts. ees and CBHS will also be bolstered the goal at Houston and Lane Mc- Jr. and Markell Henderson are the Michael Halley (CBHS) went 2-for-4 for CBU. by the addition of two impact trans- Carter thinks his team has a chance top returnees for the Tigers, who are ■ WestFloridascored11runsinthefirstthreeinnings fers, outfielder Hayden Leatherwood tomakesomenoise.ConradRayfig- ofto a 7-0 start and will battle Cen- and cruised to an 11-3 win over host Christian Brothers and pitcher Weston Bizzle. ures to be the ace of a stafthat will tral and White Station for 16-AAA in softball. Alexis Seward went 1-for-2 with a double, a Collierville: The Dragons have a need to come through. Scoring runs honors. run scored and one RBI and Amber Johnson (Fayette Academy) went 1-for-2 to extend her hitting streak to 18 games for the Lady Bucs. NASCAR From Our Press Services Behavior policy could strip the drama On the air COMMENTARY Busch could also be pe- interviews Saturday will TELEVISION NASCAR nalized for skipping his likely get him “a discount” Baseball: MLB preseason, St. Louis vs. Miami, FSTN, noon By Jenna Fryer post-race media obliga- on the sanction. In other Baseball: MLB preseason, Minnesota vs. N.Y. Yankees, MLB Associated Press SPRINT CUP tions as the second-place words, he said nothing Network, noon Next race: STP 500, finisher. Strangely,though, rather than dig a deeper Baseball: MLB preseason, Cincinnati vs. L.A. Dodgers, MLB CHARLOTTE,N.C.— NASCAR April 3, Martinsville Kevin Harvick was told by hole. Network, 3 p.m. takes its first weekend of Speedway, Martinsville, NASCAR he wasn’t need- But if NASCAR excused Baseball: MLB preseason, Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh, delayed, this season hoping fans are Va. ed for a news conference Harvick from post-race MLB Network, 7 p.m. thrilled with the improved Last race: Jimmie after he finished second obligations a day later, Baseball: MLB preseason, Seattle vs. Chicago Cubs, delayed, on-track product and ex- Johnson beat Kevin in the Sprint Cup race on it’s hard to justify Busch MLB Network, 10 p.m. citing race finishes. Harvick at Auto Club Sunday, but isn’t under any for failing to give any in- Basketball: NCAA women’s tournament, Washington vs. It’s a fair ask: The racing Speedway in California scrutiny. terviews. Drivers either Stanford, ESPN, 11 a.m. for Johnson’s 77th career Basketball: over the first five events of NASCAR executive have to speak to the me- NCAA women’s tournament, Tennessee vs. victory. Syracuse, ESPN, 2:30 p.m. the season has been better, Steve O’Donnell told Siri- dia or they don’t. There Basketball: CollegeInsider.com tournament semifinal, CBS and since Denny Hamlin’s usXM NASCAR Radio shouldn’t be exceptions to Sports, 5 p.m. victory by mere inches in after California the series whoisandisnotexpected Basketball: NCAA Tournament, Virginia vs. Syracuse, TBS, 5 p.m. the Daytona 500, there with NASCAR for failing was “disappointed” by to meet media obligations. Basketball: NCAA Tournament, North Carolina vs. Notre have been some decent to call a caution when his both Busch’s comments Trying to stifle the per- Dame, TBS, 7:45 p.m. races to the checkered flag. tire failed on the last lap and for failing to complete sonalities and raw emo- Basketball: CollegeInsider.com tournament semifinal, CBS Alas, it doesn’t translate while leading the Xfin- his media obligations. tion from competitors is Sports, 8 p.m. into a buzz capable of car- ity Series race the day be- As the reigning Sprint going to hurt NASCAR in Golf: Dell Match Play, Golf, 9 a.m.; WMC Channel 5, 2 p.m. rying NASCAR into main- fore. Austin Dillon passed Cup champion — and a the long run. The sport is Golf: LPGA, Kia Classic, Golf, 5 p.m. stream conversation every Busch on the last corner driver who has made con- fortunate right now that Golf: PGA, Puerto Rico Open, delayed, Golf, 8 p.m. week. to win, Busch finished siderable gains in terms its 2016 rules package has Hockey: NCAA women’s championship, Minnesota vs. Boston What does? The drama. second and sarcastically of maturity and personal been embraced by drivers College, WREG Channel 3, 1 p.m. But a new behavioral thanked NASCAR over growth — Busch should and indeed has made the Hockey: NHL, Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, NBC Sports, 6:30 p.m. policy could curb much of his in-car radio for “fixing probably hold himself to a racing more watchable. RADIO the excitement that comes races.” higher standard of profes- But for 38 events over Baseball: MLB preseason, St. Louis vs. Miami, WMFS 680 with controversy. Under a behavioral poli- sionalism. But Busch has nearly 10 months, the rac- AM/92.9 FM, noon NASCAR’s brass faced cy announced days before never been one to bite his ing alone is not going to Basketball: NCAA Tournament coverage, WHBQ-AM 560, 5 p.m. ahandfulofbehavioral the season-opening Day- tongue, and his negative carry the sport. NASCAR

This listing is compiled using information supplied by stations and networks, and is subject to late changes reviews following a three- tona 500, Busch could be comments toward NAS- needs its personalities, its without notice. week West Coast road trip subject to a fine between CAR over his team radio drama, its feuds, to build that ended last Sunday at $10,000 and $50,000 for are not uncommon. any sort of sustainable CONTACT California with some un- “disparaging the sport He indicated on Twit- momentum. Without that SPORTS EDITOR happy competitors. and/or NASCAR’s leader- ter he expects a fine, and drama, it’s just cars going David Williams • 901-529-2310 • [email protected] Kyle Busch was annoyed ship.” said skipping all post-race in circles.