By Paige Gurgainers

The Wood Ducks have taken flight again and added another band to their collection. They participated in the Easter Showdown Tournament and came out once again undefeated and with a 9-0 record for the season so far.

The tournament kicked off Saturday, April 12, in game one against the Astros. Gavin Sparks drove in six runs on four hits to lead the Wood Ducks. He tripled in the third scoring three, tripled in the second scoring two and tripled again in the first scoring one. He also managed to squeeze a double in as well, scoring one. The team continued to pile up a cumulative 22 hits in the game, winning 21 – 6.  

Their second game of the day against the Hawks they amassed 10 hits in the game with Cooper Thomas and Gavin Sparks each driving in two runs. Evan Harmon also collected two hits for the Wood Ducks in three at bats. Overall, the team had a strong golden-eye at the plate, taking home the win for the final game of the day, 10-4.  

They dove into Sunday’s games bill first against the Bulldogs. Kase Wood stepped on the mound first for the Wood Ducks, only giving up one hit and zero runs over three innings. Cooper Thomas drove the middle of the lineup, leading the team with three runs batted in and adding another feather to their hat. 

This win secured their place in the semifinals game, going up against the Hawks again in a bird to bird face off, but ultimately the Wood Ducks grabbed the victory in a walk-off fashion, 4 –3.  

They went up against the LA Prospects for their final game of the weekend. Kason Shaw was dominant on the hill, ringing up 12 strikeouts, only surrendering two hits and two runs over five innings. Shaw and Sparks were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Wood Ducks, with Shaw stealing two bases. The Wood Ducks came out victorious in a 4-2 win.  

The undefeated team will be playing again in the Treyson Naron Fourth Annual Memorial Tournament on May 3 – 4. The games will be held at the Lawson Bo Brandon Sports Complex in Haughton.