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The Valley Rams got back in the win column on the diamond as Valley defeated Troup County 3-2 at home on Thursday. 

Offense was in short supply for most of the game. Both teams had a no-hitter through three innings. Timely hitting eventually gave the Rams a win over the Tigers. 

Matthew Mcdonald broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the fourth inning as he hit a single through the middle of the infield. Then, two batters later, Jackson Sanders got Valley on the scoreboard with a one-RBI triple. The Rams got an insurance run in the inning as Sanders scored after a balk was called. 

The Tigers found life in the top of the fifth inning after a pitching change for Valley. Mcdonald came into pitch for the Rams and hit the first batter he faced. A sacrifice bunt got the batter to second, and then the Tigers drove in their first run with a double. 

The next batter Mcdonald faced hit a fly ball into left field that was misjudged by Rush Nelson. The error led to Troup tying the game at two. 

Both teams were held in check during their next at-bats, but the Rams took advantage of Troup’s control issues on the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning. 

Mcdonald singled to start the inning. The next two batters walked, and Valley was set up with bases loaded with no outs. CJ Chambley got the job done for Valley as he hit a sacrifice fly to score Mcdonald. 

Carter Green came in to slam the door for the Rams in the top of the seventh inning. A one-out single gave the Tigers life, but Green was able to catch the runner slacking on a pickoff attempt and get the out at second base. With two outs, Ty Monteith fielded a ground ball and sealed the deal with the throw to Sanders at first base. 

Mcdonald had a big night for the Rams at the plate as he went 2-for-3 with one run. Sanders went one-for-two with an RBI and a walk. Mcdonald and Sanders were the only batters to record a hit for Valley. 

Sanders and Mcdonald were also dynamic on the mound for the Rams. Sanders got the start and only allowed one base runner on a walk in three innings of work. Sanders also finished with six strikeouts. Mcdonald came in to relieve Sanders and allowed one earned run in three innings. 

The win on Thursday pushed Valley’s record to 5-1 on the season. The Rams have a quick turnaround as they travel to face Clay Central on Friday.