Wall Baseball Takes Down No. 1 Jim Ned

WALL, TX — The Wall Hawks showed why they’re the defending state baseball champions Friday by taking down the No. 1-ranked and previously undefeated Jim Ned Indians 10-5.

Wall jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the end of the third inning against a Jim Ned team that was allowing an average of only two runs per game.

Jim Ned didn’t go down without a fight, scoring four times in the sixth inning to pull within 7-5. The Hawks answered right back, however, with three runs in the bottom of the frame for a 10-5 lead.

Gage Reichenau then came on in the seventh and slammed the door shut by striking out the side.

Wall, which is ranked No. 9 in the state, improved to 21-9 overall and 11-0 in District 6-3A. Jim Ned dropped to 23-1 and 10-1.

Wall’s Reid Ballard threw the first six innings, scattering eight hits and five runs (three earned). He struck out five and walked two.

Wall’s offense was led by Tyler Klinesmith, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and a triple.

Kellan Oliver was 2-for-3 with a walk, and Hagyn Barbee was 2-for-4.

Jim Ned’s Cash Gwinn took the loss after allowing five hits and six runs (three earned) in three innings.. He struck out six but walked five.

The two teams will meet again at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Tuscola. Wall can clinch the district title outright, while Jim Ned can force a share of the title.