The Fordyce Redbugs competed in their first conference baseball game Monday (March 16) against the Hampton Bulldogs, securing a victory with a final score of 18-8.

Matthew Tanner delivered a notable performance, recording three hits in four at bats, including doubles in the third and fourth innings as well as a single in the first.

Despite trailing 4-0 in the second inning, Fordyce mounted a comeback. Hampton established an early lead in the top of the first inning when Eli Chandler hit into a fielder’s choice, resulting in a run, followed by Landon Curry’s single which drove in two more runs. Jayden Thomas contributed with a single that extended Hampton’s advantage to 4-0 in the top of the second.

Fordyce responded in the bottom of the third, reclaiming the lead through Tanner’s double (scoring one), Samuel Petty’s walk (scoring one), and Tyrell Harris’ single (scoring two).

Hampton regained an 8-6 lead in the top of the fourth following an error, a walk from Wesley Ogden, and another walk drawn by Chandler.

In the bottom of the fourth, Fordyce overturned the deficit, producing 11 runs on six hits to take a decisive 17-8 lead. The highlight of the inning was Micah Gamble’s single, driving in two runs.

Mason Huddleston began the game for Fordyce, pitching three and one-third innings, allowing four hits and seven runs (six earned), while striking out five and walking five.

Rowland started for Hampton, surrendering six hits and six runs (five earned) over three innings, with five strikeouts and three walks. Tanner provided effective relief for Fordyce, throwing one and two-thirds scoreless innings, yielding three hits, striking out two, and walking one.

Fordyce amassed a total of 13 hits with Harris leading the lineup with three RBIs and going 2-for-4. Gamble and Quimby each recorded multiple hits.

Fordyce exhibited discipline at the plate, drawing eight walks, with Fawcett, Petty, and Humphrey earning two walks each. Caden Barner, Tanner, Petty, Macayden Johnson, Gamble, Humphrey, Harris, and Brennan Mosely each stole multiple bases, contributing to the team’s impressive total of 23 stolen bases.

For Hampton, Jayden Thomas led with three hits in three at bats. Curry, Thomas, and Chandler each drove in one run, and Ogden led the team with three walks.

The Bulldogs drew eight walks collectively, and Evans, Thomas, Rowland, Ogden, and Chandler each recorded multiple stolen bases, totaling 16 stolen bases for the game.

Fordyce beat Blevins 12-1 on Tuesday (March 17) and lost to Drew Central 14-3 on Thursday (March 19).