Fletcher Claims Class A Gold Ball

Originally Published: May 8, 2010 7:12 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In Jayson Wilson’s last game as the head coach of Fletcher, the Wildcats topped Okarche 4-3 to claim the Class A Gold Ball.

“If there’s a way to go out, then this is the way I want to go out,” said Wilson. “I’ve been with this group since they were little kids. To not be able to coach at Fletcher anymore is heart breaking, but if I’m going to go out, I want to do it with them.”

After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, senior pitcher Taylor Smith hit a two-run home run to tie the ball game.

Smith was dominant from the mound, giving up just two hits and two earned runs in six innings while striking out 10.

“It seems like he has control problems throughout the season, but in a big game he always comes through for us,” said Wilson. “There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to go with Taylor.”

In the top of the sixth, Okarche’s Austin Craig scored on an error at first, after advancing to second on a passed ball, to bring the Warriors within one run.

“It’s alright. Everyone has errors,” said Wilson. “It worked out our way so it’s ok.”

Billy Love came in the game to close out for the Wildcats, and struck out two of the four batters he faced to secure the win for Fletcher.

“Billy’s one of those guys at the end of the game he can put that bulldog attitude on and nothing can get in his way mentally,” said Wilson.