Huge 5th Sends Purple Hurricanes Past Indians

The Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes scored six runs in the fifth inning Monday night, handing the Stephens County Indians a 6-1 defeat at the Reservation.

Stephen County took the lead with a double by Colby Fowler in the bottom of the fourth inning. One batter later, Craig Thurmond singled past third to drive in the first run of the game. It was all the offense the Indians would get the rest of the game.

The Hurricanes sent 12 hitters to the plate in the top of the fifth inning. The big blast was a bases loaded triple by Russell Hunley.

Cruz Mullinix went four and a third innings, giving up six runs, striking out six and walking six. Senior right-hander Dalton Wilcox went the distance for Monroe, allowing six hits, striking out six and walking four.

The loss gave the Indians a 3-10 Region 8-AAA record and gave Monroe a 5-9 record. The Indians must now take the final two games of the season in order to make the playoffs.

Stephens County and Monroe Area meet Thursday in Monroe for the final double-header of the season. Game time is 5 P.M. with airtime on WNEG Radio will be 4:45 P.M.