Bulldogs hold off Foxes in close contest

The Camden Bulldogs were able to outlast the Hartsville Red Foxes on the baseball diamond Wednesday night by a score of 9-8.

Will Adams took the mound for the Foxes and got off to a rocky start. The Bulldogs were able to get four straight walks in the top half of the first inning and scored five runs on two hits to take a big lead.

The Foxes, however, didn’t let that slow them down as they managed double digit hits for the fourth time in five games.

Hartsville used homeruns from Will Lucas and Brandon Beans and a 4-for-4 performance from Jacob Cole to stay in the game. Cole had three stand-up doubles and five RBIs on the night.

The Bulldogs managed another run in the top of the third inning, but Hartsville responded with four in the bottom half of the inning. The Foxes loaded the bases and Cole cleared them with a double. The hit came with a full count and two outs in the inning. 

Camden responded with three runs in the fourth as Will Adams gave way to Jent Jones on the mound for the Foxes. Adams gave up six runs on three hits in three and one-third innings of work.

Hartsville wouldn’t be outdone, though. In the bottom of the fourth, Hartsville, down 9-5, loaded the bases again. Cole hit his second-straight double and brought in three runs to bring the Foxes within one at 9-8.

Hartsville had a few more hits in the final three innings and two base running errors, but they were unable to close the gap.

Hartsville head coach Tony Gainey said the game was a great one. “(Camden) is a good team,” he said. “The walks in the first inning hurt us.”

However, the coach said the team showed its character again but continuing to fight despite being down. “Character,” he said of what it takes to play a close game like that without giving up. “That’s what (Hartsville) had tonight.”

Gainey said the team is hitting so well this season because of their work ethic. “It’s hard work,” he said. “They get in here and work their butts off. That’s a credit to the whole team and the three captains. (The captains) keep everybody on track.”

The coach also said Cole’s performance was a tribute to how comfortable he is batting in the ninth spot. “A lot of people take that nine hole for granted,” he said. “But (Cole) is comfortable, and he does his job.”

The Foxes’ record is now 2-3 on the season. They traveled to Conway Thursday night for a huge showdown with the region-rival Tigers.

Hartsville will host West Florence Friday night at Jimmy White Park at 6:30.