Hendersonville Standard
HENDERSONVILLE WEATHER

Commandos win district tournament championship




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SHACKLE ISLAND — For the first time since 2015, the Hendersonville Commandos are district tournament champions.

In Mike Hendrix’s final season as skipper, the Commandos capped a perfect District 10-4A Tournament run with a 5-0 shutout victory over crosstown rival Beech — their second win over the Bucs in as many days.

“It’s been a long time, but this feels great,” Hendrix said. “When it’s your last run, you can’t ask for much more. All I wanted was a chance to play Monday (region), and this is icing on the cake for me. All credit goes to the players; I’m just a small part. They do the hard stuff — get hits, make plays.”

Tuesday night marked the second consecutive night a sophomore left their fingerprints all over the game, as starting pitcher Payton Peterson pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up six hits, two walks and striking out five batters before making way for Theron Lee. Lee forced back-to-back fly-outs to end the game.

The shutout capped a three-game pitching performance from Ryan Oden, Lake Morris, Peterson and Lee that surrendered only three runs over the tournament.

Hendersonville baseball seniors get their district tournament championship plaque. 

“As a group, you can’t ask for more,” Hendrix said. “Ryan pitches like a senior; Lake and Payton are sophomores, so I don’t want anyone telling me I’m not leaving talent for the next staff.”

High school batters don’t see a ton of left-handers, but the Commandos boast a wealth of them in Morris, Peterson, Carson Briscoe and Jacob Oeser. 

“I’m proud of them,” Hendrix said.

The Commandos will host the first round of the Region 5-4A Tournament on Monday against District 9-4A’s runner-up, whether Mt. Juliet, Lebanon or Green Hill. Beech will travel to the district tournament champion’s home field.

However, the win didn’t come without anxiety as Hendersonville failed to score any runs with the bases juiced and no outs in the bottom of the second inning.

“You’re always nervous,” Hendrix said. “You expect maybe one, but we just didn’t get one across.”

Hendersonville's Jonathan Odom is congratulated by first base coach Justin Martin after reaching base with a single.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville’s Jonathan Odom is congratulated by first base coach Justin Martin after reaching base with a single.Brett Berwager

In the home half of the third inning, the Commandos finally broke through with three runs on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and RR Mabrey single to score Jonathan Odom and Mason Baker. Zach Dumas scored the game’s first run.

Leading 3-0 in the fourth, Hendersonville tacked on two insurance runs on a throwing error and sacrifice fly. Zach Zimmerle touched home plate on the error and Mason’s sac fly scored brother Torin Baker.

“I will give them the day off Wednesday,” Hendrix said. “We will get to work Thursday, Friday, and Sunday afternoon and prepare for whoever we have to play. We’ll meet together and see what we can get going.”

Monday is a win-or-go-home contest, with Hendrix saying he and the team will be ready to throw the kitchen sink if it means the chance to advance.

“You throw Johnny whole staff,” he said.

Hendersonville's Lawson Alder looks to make a defensive play at first base.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville’s Lawson Alder looks to make a defensive play at first base.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville's Zach Dumas connects for an RBI single against Beech.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville’s Zach Dumas connects for an RBI single against Beech.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville's R.R. Mabrey celebrates reaching first base.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville’s R.R. Mabrey celebrates reaching first base.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville's Kaden Wilks celebrates an RBI base hit by Torin Baker.Brett Berwager

Hendersonville’s Kaden Wilks celebrates an RBI base hit by Torin Baker.Brett Berwager

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