The East Hall Vikings baseball team became the latest victims of the Fannin Rebels run, falling 15-0. The game was called in the bottom of the third after Jordan Farmer’s RBI single due to the mercy rule.The top of the first saw the Rebels’ pitcher, Ryan Nix, retire the first three Vikings in succession, with a lead off strike out and two ground outs. Garrisson Sisson put the Rebels on scoreboard with a lead off home run; however, the celebration was short lived as the second batter, Jason Burnett, was struck by a pitch and preceded to have a seizure on the field.

Both Teams Concerned for Jason Burnett
(Photo by LT Melton)

After a few scary minutes, he was able to stand and walk off on his own accord. He was taken away via ambulance to Fannin Regional Hospital and diagnosed with a mild concussion. He was released later the same night, according to head coach David Dyer.

With heavy hearts, the Rebels continued to play out the game. Ryan Bowers, replaced Burnett in the lineup, after both teams met briefly on the pitchers’ mound to pray for the fallen Rebel. Jordan Farmer was called out after popping up a fly ball that was caught deep in foul territory by the Vikings’ third baseman. Tyler McClure followed with a line drive that was caught by the second baseman. Nix reached first on a seeing eye single, but the inning was ended when Daniel Roper’s fly ball to deep right field was caught.

CJ White started the second inning off with a ground out to third. He was followed by John Woodring walking. Joseph Matt then had a fly out to center field, which was also followed by a walk, this time by John Smith. Both Woodring and Smith advanced on a double steal off an errant pitch, however Nix was able to retire the last batter to end the scoring threat.

The route began in the bottom of the second as the Rebels began walking like it was the Relay for Life. Six different Rebels were awarded first base because of a walk, or being struck by a pitch.

James Bennett at the Plate
(Photo by LT Melton)

James Bennett led off with a pop fly caught by the Vikings’ first baseman. Brett Davis followed with a single. Colby Bowers struck out for the Rebel’s second out. Sisson then hit a double to put men on second and third. Bowers walked to load the bases. Farmer was hit by a pitch driving in the second run. McClure also walked and made the score 3-0. Nix then walked as well, making the score 4-0.

East Hall changed pitchers, however, the change did not produce the desired results as Roper preceded to hit a grand slam, making the score 8-0. Bennet and Burnett also walked in succession. They both stole second and third respectively on an errant pitch, but the inning came to a close when Bowers struck out.

The Vikings began the third with a ground out. Roderick Payton reached first on an error, however, he was thrown out after being caught with too large a leadoff. The Vikings were done when Hunter Buffington popped out to the short stop.

Garrison Sisson at the Plate
(Photo by LT Melton)

The bottom of the third began with Sisson flying out to left field. Bowers followed with yet another walk. Farmer was hit by a pitch next. McClure reached first after the Vikings second baseman fumbled a ground ball and cold not make the throw to first in time. Nix hit an RBI single making the score 9-0.

East Hall brought in Hunter Buffington to pitch, with the results being much the same, as Roper hit a sacrifice fly making the score 10-0. Bennett followed with a walk that loaded the bases.

Brett Davis hit a two run single that made the score 12-0. A series of singles ended the game for the Vikings, like the year was 1998 and Morten Anderson was in the Metrodome.

Coach Dyer downplayed his teams’ success.

“I don’t even let the kids think about it,” he said. We just keep playing and doing what we’re doing.”