Once again, aggressive base running by Landrum gave the Cardinals early momentum that they carried with them to another state AA tournament baseball win, this a 5-2 triumph over Andrew Jackson on Saturday evening, April 29. It was the Cardinals’ third playoff game, and their second win.

In the double-elimination format each team must defeat each rival at least once. After winning their first-round contest, Landrum lost a 1-0 squeaker to Abbeville, whom the Cardinals visited on Monday, May 1.

In this photo, Landrum’s Drew Black scored the game’s first run, after racing home on a wild pitch. Black led off the home first by beating out an infield single; went to second on a walk to Trey Jackson; and advanced to third on a passed ball. Coleman Walker singled home Jackson (who had advanced to second when Black went to third), and the Cards led, 2-0 after one.

Starting (and winning) pitcher Christian Melick was eventually pulled for pitch count, and was replaced by Trey Smith, who, himself gave way to Walker, who moved to the mound from third base. Sophomore Zander Steele had three hits for the Cards.

Of the aggressive base running, Landrum head coach Daniel Little said, “That was the key tonight. Got the leadoff guy on.”

On the season, the Cardinals now sport a 21-4 mark. Landrum will be playing for the district title for the first time in at least five years.