Six-run sixth leads Myrtle past Baldwyn in battle of 2A powers

Myrtle Hawks score six unanswered runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the Baldwyn Bearcats 8-5.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:04am

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A vibrant, fragmented painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of blue, red, and yellow representing the dynamic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the high-intensity battle between two top small-school baseball programs.Baldwyn Today

The Myrtle Hawks broke a 2-2 tie with a six-run sixth inning to defeat the Baldwyn Bearcats 8-5 in a matchup of two Class 2A baseball teams that made deep playoff runs last season. Myrtle's J.J. Hall led the way with three hits and a strong start on the mound, while Drew Stanton hit a two-run home run to highlight the Hawks' big sixth inning.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season matchup between two of the top 2A baseball teams in the area, as the teams are likely to meet again in the playoffs. The win gives Myrtle an early advantage and confidence boost heading into the rest of the season.

The details

Myrtle broke a 2-2 tie with six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Wes Stanton hit a ground ball that went through the first baseman's legs, scoring two runs to make it 4-2. Drew Stanton then hit a two-run home run, and J.J. Hall added an RBI double and scored on a wild pitch to cap the six-run outburst. Baldwyn made it close with a three-run double by Brayer Wesson in the top of the seventh, but Myrtle held on for the 8-5 victory.

  • Myrtle scored first with a run in the bottom of the second inning.
  • Baldwyn tied the game at 1-1 with a run in the top of the fourth inning.
  • Myrtle regained the lead 2-1 with a run in the bottom of the third inning.
  • Baldwyn tied the game again at 2-2 with a run in the top of the fifth inning.
  • Myrtle scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take an 8-2 lead.

The players

J.J. Hall

Myrtle starting pitcher who went four innings, allowing one run and striking out seven. He also had three hits at the plate.

Drew Stanton

Myrtle player who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Hawks the lead.

Wes Stanton

Myrtle player whose ground ball error in the sixth inning led to two runs and broke the 2-2 tie.

Brayer Wesson

Baldwyn player who hit a bases-clearing double in the seventh inning to make it an 8-5 game.

Shannon Smith

Baldwyn head coach who felt his team did not compete well and came out flat.

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What they’re saying

“It's always good to get a win, especially against a quality 2A opponent. Our divisions match up in the playoffs, so we very well could be seeing them again pretty soon.”

— Brandon Montgomery, Myrtle head coach

“We finally started getting hits with runners on. We had left a small army on the bases, and we just wouldn't get the hit to knock them in. We finally stepped up and did our job.”

— Brandon Montgomery, Myrtle head coach

“I just didn't think we competed very well. We didn't have a lot of energy. We came out flat after last night's game, and I think we didn't show up to play again today.”

— Shannon Smith, Baldwyn head coach

“I just had to step in the box and do a job for my teammates. And throw strikes for my teammates.”

— J.J. Hall, Myrtle starting pitcher

What’s next

The two teams could meet again in the Class 2A playoffs later this season.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between two of the top 2A baseball teams in the area provided an exciting preview of a potential playoff rematch. Myrtle's ability to overcome a tie game with a big sixth inning showed their resilience and offensive firepower, while Baldwyn's late rally demonstrated their own potential to make a deep postseason run.