Filing For Extension Doesn't Help Wolves

GENTRY COMES BACK TO WIN 8-7

RANDY MOLL NWA MEDIA Lincoln’s Zach Duncan pitches in a conference game.
RANDY MOLL NWA MEDIA Lincoln’s Zach Duncan pitches in a conference game.

LINCOLN -- Tax Day proved taxing for the Lincoln baseball team.

This year, federal and state tax returns could be filed as late as April 18, rather than the customary April 15, due to the usual deadline falling on a weekend, followed by a Sunday and a Monday holiday in the District of Columbia.

Lincoln ran into a similar situation, having to thrice file an extension to complete a baseball game game versus Gentry that originally was scheduled for and began on April 3. The game was changed to April 5, then to April 14, and finally played April 18 after being suspended while in progress April 3 due to weather.

The two-week delay didn't bode well for Lincoln with the Wolves losing, 8-7, to Gentry in 3A/4A District-1 baseball action April 18. Gentry came into that game with a record of 2-10, while Lincoln was at 4-14. Sophomore Ayden Smartt started the game on the mound for the Pioneers, throwing 68 pitches in his outing that was interrupted on April 3. The Pioneers trailed the Wolves 6-2 when the game was suspended prior to the start of the fifth inning due to lightening.

"We got four innings in," said Gentry coach Justin Ledbetter. "There was a lot of talk when we should play that game. When you get a suspended game, that's different than a rain-out. You've got to do what's best for both programs. When I feel my kids are backed into a corner, I'm going to fight tooth and nail for my kids; but, that being said, at the same time, I'm not going to do anything to hurt another program."

When the game resumed, Gentry seized momentum, outscoring the Wolves 6-1 over the final three innings. The loss left the Wolves winless in league play, at 0-8.

In other games last week, the Wolves suffered a 1-run loss to Elkins. The Elks used a three-run sixth inning to edge Lincoln, 10-9, Thursday. The Elks were led by junior Jacob Socia, who went 4-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBIs for the Elks. Senior Colten Lewis was 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Trea Harrison was 2-for-4 with a double for the Wolves.

Lincoln also lost 19-0 to Pea Ridge on Tuesday, April 18. The Blackhawks had several hitters contributing, including: Cole Wright, 2-for-3 with a triple; Jakota Sainsbury, 2-for-2 with a double, home-run and 3 RBIs; Tyler Odell, 2-for-2 with a double, home-run and 4 RBIs; Josh Rugger, 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs; Garrett King, 2-for-2 with 1 RBI; and A.J. Anderson, 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs. Jakota Sainsbury was the winning pitcher.

Sports on 04/26/2017