MHBS COMPLETES SEASON IN QUARTERFINALS (UPDATED 5/11/2011)

The Panthers dropped their quarterfinal match to American Christian from Tuscaloosa, ending their season with a 30-15 record. The defending state champions lost 4-12 and 4-6. In regular season action, the Panthers clinched the 2A Area championship, going through area play undefeated (8-0). They defeated Westminster Christian from Huntsville 5-3 and 6-3 in round one of the playoffs and took two of three from Hatton in round two (4-6, 2-0, 12-9). Two pitchers, sophomores Glenn Irby (7-4, 1.55 ERA, 99 Ks in 68 innings) and Thomas Burrows (7-2, 1.94 ERA, 70 Ks in 58 innings), tossed no-hitters in the early going. Another sophomore, Colby Smith, finished 7-1 with a 3.33 ERA and 27 Ks in 37 innings. Josh Wear was 2-2 with a 3.07 ERA and 35 Ks in 30 innings. Junior Collin White was 2-0 with a 1.24 ERA before being also lost for the season with a leg injury. Junior Billy Williamson finished 2-1 (5.42 ERA) and senior Trent Tiffin was 2-0 (5.60 ERA).

 

Leading hitters for the Panthers were *Burrows (15 HRs, 15 2Bs, 57 RBIs, .463, 11 SBs, a .548 OBP and a .919 Slg.Pct.), Smith (4 HRs, 28 RBIs, 7 2Bs, .314), Josh Wear (3 HRs, 19 RBIs, 9 2Bs, 6 SBs, .363), Irby (1 HR, 12 2Bs, 30 RBIs, .343), Max Wright (12 RBIs, 2 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 6 SBs, .283), J. T. Hudson (18 RBIs, 12 SB, .270), Will Harrison (25 RBIs, 6 2Bs, .323), Trent Tiffin (19 RBIs, 6 2Bs, .305), Collin White (7 RBIs, 4 2Bs, .457), Austin Penter (2 HR, 21 RBIs, 16 SB, .287), Alex Wright (10 RBIs, 9 SB, .262) and Luke Krieger (8 RBIs, 2 2Bs, 5 SB, .279). As a team, MH has stolen 74 bases in 88 attempts, an .841 average.

 

*The 15 home runs in a single season is a new Panther record, eclipsing the old record set by current Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Willingham.

 

THANKS TO OUR PARENTS!

The extensive work on the school baseball field is being provided through the generous contributions of several parents. Our sincere appreciation is extended to them for their time and generosity. A new section of reserved stadium seating is now located immediately behind home plate with a new press box and concession stand. The field looks awesome!

 

STATE CHAMPIONS!

Once again, the Panthers reign as 2A baseball state champions. Coach Jay Mitchell's squad defeated perennial power Leroy (ranked #1 throughout the season) 5-4 and 6-1 to claim the state title. Thomas Burrows and C. K. Irby combined to limit the hard-hitting south Alabama team to a single first-inning run and five singles in game 2. After Thomas allowed a first-inning run, C. K. Irby responded with a game-tying home run in the bottom of the inning and MH added two additional runs in the second and three in the third and the championship belonged to the Panthers. Josh Wear was 2-3 with a double and an RBI and Colby Smith was 1-2 with a double and an RBI. MHBS won game 1 on Tuesday evening behind three hits, including a home run, and three RBIs from Burrows and RBI singles by Luke Krieger and Austin Penter. Glenn Irby pitched five innings, striking out five, before C. K. came out to stop a late threat. C. K. pitched five innings over the two games, striking out six and allowing only two singles.

 

Strong pitching led MHBS to a 6-1, 6-3 sweep of area foe Lexington in the semi-finals. Freshmen pitchers Glenn Irby and Thomas Burrows picked up the wins with C. K. Irby finishing both games.

 

Senior C. K. Irby led the Panther hitters (9 HRs, 45 RBIs, 49 R, 20 SB, .400 BA). Thomas Burrows (.333 BA, 3 HRs, 41 RBIs, 25 R), Robert Walker (.355 BA, 4 HRs, 30 RBIs, 24 R), Glenn Irby (.396 BA, 1 HR, 30 RBIs, 36 R), Kyle Black (.380 BA, 44 R, 2 HRs, 29 RBIs), Austin Penter (.386 BA, 28 R, 18 RBIs) and Colby Smith (.304 BA, 1 HR 23 RBIs, 25 R) paced the MHBS offense. The Panthers stole 62 bases in 66 attempts this season. C. K. Irby led the way with 20 stolen bases, while Luke Krieger (.289 BA, 34 R, 16 RBIs) had 11 and Max Wright had nine.

 

The pitching was solid with C. K. Irby the staff ace. He is 6-0 with a 0.72 ERA and 93 Ks in 48 innings and Glenn posted a 10-2 record with a 1.80 ERA (71 Ks). Thomas Burrows was 7-2 (3.07 ERA, 55 Ks). Collin White added five wins, Colby Smith had three and Luke Krieger and Billy Williamson each had one.

 

C. K. IRBY SIGNS WITH SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

After entertaining offers from several schools, senior C. K. Irby has signed to play baseball for the Division I Samford University Bulldogs.