By By Matthew Nascone
The Atmore 12-year-old All-Stars were outplayed in their first game of the Alabama Cal Ripken 70' State Tournament Friday afternoon against Matthew's Park. Matthew's Park walked off the field with an 11-2 victory over Atmore.
Atmore scored early with two runs in the top of the first inning. Brett Helton and Austin Albritton each crossed the plate for Atmore and the game was looking good, but then Matthew's Park scored one run in the bottom of the first inning and eight runs in the third inning to grab a 9-2 advantage.
Matthew's Park tacked on two more runs in the fourth inning and held Atmore scoreless the rest of the way.
Taylor Mooney picked up the win for Matthew's Park with eight strikeouts in three innings of work. Kyree Sykes also had Atmore's number, with five strikeouts in the back three innings.
Harold Harrison took the loss for Atmore with three strikeouts and nine runs allowed in three innings. Bo Bishop struck out five on the mound in relief of Harrison.
For Matthew's Park at the plate, Alex Bessonen led the way with one home run and three runs scored. Kendall Locke, Ken Coleman, Chad Peters, Mooney, Rusty Bridges, Sykes and Sheldon Statkewitcz each contributed one run scored.
Atmore faced Tillman's Corner Friday night at 7 p.m. and Alex City and Monrovia-American Saturday. The results will be in Wednesday's Advance.