SHAWN DIGIANFELICE
Sports Writer

Community bounced back from the Battle for Bedford with a strong response, winning two of its next three games behind timely hitting and steady pitching. The Vikings showed resilience down the stretch, building momentum as they turn their focus to the District 9-AA play-in game against Forrest.

Cascade – 3, Community – 1

Cascade – 12, Community – 3

See Battle for Bedford story

Community – 6, Cornersville – 2

Community wasted little time setting the tone and leaned on steady pitching the rest of the way, knocking off Cornersville 6-2 behind a balanced offensive effort and a strong bullpen finish.

The Vikings jumped out early with two runs in the first and added two more in the second to seize control. They tacked on single runs in the fourth and fifth to keep pressure on, finishing with 10 hits on the night. Josh Powers delivered a key swing in the middle of the order, driving in three runs, while Dylan Markum added two RBIs.

Community got production throughout the lineup, with Masyn Hill leading the hit column with a two-hit night, and Brody Armstrong, Wes Haley, Isiah Beech, Bryce Blanton, Logan Reed, and Boone Gray each contributing hits.

On the mound, Powers got the start and worked four innings, allowing five hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out three. Kade Hasty took over and shut the door, tossing three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit while striking out two to secure the win.

Tullahoma – 3, Community – 1

Community got solid work on the mound from Tyler Wood and Maddox Thompson, but the Vikings could not generate enough offense in a 3-1 loss to Tullahoma.

Wood worked the first three innings, allowing three runs, while Thompson kept Community within striking distance by tossing three scoreless innings in relief.

At the plate, Masyn Hill led the Vikings with two hits, while Isaiah Beech added one hit in the loss.

Community – 12, DBA Miners – 4

Community’s offense set the tone early and its pitching finished the job, as the Vikings powered past DBA 12-4 behind a 13-hit day and strong relief work on the mound.

At the plate, Community delivered a complete performance up and down the lineup. Brody Armstrong sparked the offense going 3-for-3 with two runs scored, while Wes Haley added a 2-for-3 day with two RBIs.

The biggest damage came from the middle of the order, where Dylan Markum drove in four runs on two hits, including a grand slam and Logan Reed piled up three hits and three RBIs to keep pressure on every inning. Josh Powers and Masyn Hill each scored twice as the Vikings consistently turned baserunners into runs.

On the mound, Community pieced together a strong outing. Haley worked the opening two innings, allowing just two hits and no earned runs while striking out two. Reed followed with two scoreless innings, and Kade Hasty closed it out with three solid frames, giving up just one run on one hit while striking out three. As a staff, the Vikings limited DBA to just three hits and no earned runs while striking out seven.

Community (6-24, 0-8), will travel to Forrest on Tuesday for the District 9-AA play-in game, with first pitch scheduled for 5:30 P.M. A win would send the Vikings to top seeded Loretto on Thursday, while a loss would end their season.