GRAY DEYOSports Writer

After a six-game slide to start the year, the 2023-2024 state champs entered the win column on Mar. 11 with a 7-1 victory over Cookeville High School.

Mason Bratcher pitched for every out in the game but one for the Wildcats against the opposing Cavaliers. He pitched 6.2 innings of scoreless baseball and had eight strikeouts.

On the offensive side of things, the Wildcats opened up the game in the second inning scoring four of their seven runs. Andrew Fulmer hit a grand slam with two outs and two strikes and cleared the bases for the Wildcats. His line drive shot over the left field fence was the play that ultimately separated them from the Cavs on the scoreboard. Fulmer ended his day with two hits and a team-high five RBIs.

Despite the Cavaliers more than doubling the Wildcats in hits in the game–Tullahoma had three hits Cookeville had 8–their hits had the more punch, and the senior Lee University commit Bratcher was able to manage the game and keep the Cavs off of home plate while he was on the mound.

A win like this can do a lot for a team in an early season struggle, and the great thing about baseball is they have just cracked the start of the season. The Wildcats will look to start a new streak, with it taking place in the win column this time. Their next game will be on Mar. 14 against Franklin Road Academy.