The Cottondale Hornets Middle School baseball program officially kicked off its 2026 season with a series of competitive games last week. The team faced off against Tolar Middle School, showcasing their skills and building valuable experience despite not securing a win. Over three games, the Hornets demonstrated resilience, growth, and the potential for a successful season ahead.
Game One: A Tough Opening at Tolar
The Hornets’ ‘A’ team started the season on the road on March 2, 2026, against Tolar Middle School. In a hard-fought match, they fell 7–4. The game featured a strong late-game push from Cottondale, which saw them score three runs in the top of the fifth inning.
Starting pitcher Trayton Land took the mound, delivering three innings and allowing four hits, which included two earned and two unearned runs. He also recorded two strikeouts and issued one walk. Reliever Rowan McDaniel pitched the fourth inning, giving up three runs, while August Dahl completed the game with a clean fifth inning.
Cottondale showed promise early, attempting to score in the first inning but failing to capitalize on a leadoff walk by Dahl and a hit by Grayson Watson. Tolar took advantage and scored two runs in the bottom half. The Hornets displayed patience at the plate during the second inning, but could not convert walks into runs.
In the fourth inning, Cottondale finally crossed the plate. After Elan Parrish led off with a walk and advanced through aggressive baserunning, McDaniel’s sacrifice allowed the Hornets to score their first run. Despite Tolar responding with three runs in the bottom of the inning, Cottondale rallied in the fifth. Dahl and Watson both hit singles, and Royce McLeod loaded the bases with a deep hit. A sacrifice fly from Harrison Kline brought in Dahl, and Barrett Trimble added two more runs with a clutch single. Unfortunately, a late strikeout ended their comeback attempt.
Game Two: Home Debut with Continued Fight
The following day, on March 3, 2026, the Cottondale Hornets hosted Tolar on their home field, with the game concluding in another 7–4 result. This time, the Hornets aimed to capitalize on their home-field advantage while showcasing their growth.
Hornets pitcher JuJu Ortiz started the game, allowing six runs (four earned) over two innings. Relief pitcher Sebastian Arranda shone in his role, not allowing any runs and giving up just one hit. Harrison Kline closed the game, allowing one run while striking out one batter.
Cottondale struggled offensively early on, managing their first baserunners in the bottom of the third inning. Following back-to-back walks from Trayton Land and McLeod, a sacrifice fly scored Land. Ortiz then hit a two-RBI double, bringing in Dahl and Watson. Although the Hornets narrowed the gap to 6–4, they could not capitalize on other opportunities, leaving the bases loaded as the game concluded.
Despite the opening week’s lack of victories, the Cottondale Hornets experienced several positives. Their plate discipline improved, and the team exhibited aggressive baserunning and tenacity in late-game situations. With the initial nerves behind them and solid gameplay established, the Hornets are poised to build on their experiences as they continue their 2026 campaign.
As the season unfolds, the Hornets aim to transform close losses into wins, demonstrating their potential to compete effectively within the county. With determination and teamwork, the Cottondale Hornets are ready to face their upcoming challenges head-on.
