Raiders fall to Huntland in pitchers’ duel
Hornets’ Eli Fitch tosses complete-game shutout in opening round of District 9A Tournament
11:32 p.m. April 29, 2026
Jeff Reed Photography
Deacon Liles had one of the Raiders' four singles in a first-round loss to Huntland on Wednesday.
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
Cole Taylor gave Moore County the kind of start that usually keeps a team alive in May.
Huntland’s Eli Fitch was better for all seven.
The Raiders lost a tight pitchers’ duel Wednesday, falling 3-0 to Huntland in the first round of the District 9A Tournament at Richland High School.
Taylor worked five innings for Moore County, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out nine and walking four, keeping the Raiders within reach.
Jose Garcia tossed one inning and allowed one walk and struck out one.
But Huntland scored early and never let Moore County answer.
Huntland opened the scoring in the bottom of the first after back-to-back singles set the table. Bryant Mooney singled home the first run, giving Huntland a 1-0 lead.
That was all Fitch needed. He went the distance for Huntland, allowing four hits over seven shutout innings while striking out eight and walking three.
Moore County had baserunners but never found the big swing it needed. Jace Deal, Braylynn Hill, Deacon Liles, and Taylor each collected one hit for the Raiders.
Huntland added just enough cushion behind Fitch. Grant Jernigan led the lineup with two hits in three at-bats, while Jed Ashley, Kasen Kildoo, and Mooney each drove in one run.
The Raiders will face Cornersville at 6 p.m. Thursday in a win-or-go-home matchup.
