The Cottondale Hornets Middle School baseball program officially launched its 2026 season last week, marking the return of America’s pastime to Jackson County. The team faced a challenging start with a three-game series that provided valuable learning experiences, showcasing the resilience and potential of the young athletes.
Opening Games Showcase Growth and Potential
The Hornets began their season on March 2, 2026, with an away game against Tolar Middle School. The A team fought hard but ultimately lost 7–4, demonstrating both determination and areas for improvement. Starting pitcher Trayton Land took the mound for Cottondale, completing three innings while allowing four runs, two of which were earned. He struck out two batters but faced challenges with control, issuing one walk.
Relief pitcher Rowan McDaniel followed, giving up three runs in one inning, while August Dahl closed the game with a solid performance in the fifth inning, allowing no hits or runs. Despite a late-game rally that saw the Hornets score three runs in the fifth, their efforts fell short.
In the first inning, Cottondale had a promising start, with Dahl leading off with a walk. However, a series of quick outs stranded runners on base, a theme that would recur throughout the game. Tolar capitalized on these missed opportunities, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first.
After struggling to score in the second and third innings, Cottondale managed to break the ice in the fourth. Elan Parrish led off with a walk, stole two bases, and scored on a sacrifice fly from McDaniel, bringing the score to 7–1. The Hornets’ determination shone through in the fifth, where they rallied to score three runs, showcasing their potential for the upcoming season.
Home Debut Mirrors Opening Loss
The following day, the Hornets faced Tolar again, this time on their home turf. The match concluded with the same 7–4 scoreline, but the Hornets displayed a marked improvement in their gameplay. Starting pitcher JuJu Ortiz took the mound for Cottondale, pitching two innings and allowing six runs, four earned, before Sebastian Arranda stepped in to deliver a strong relief outing.
Cottondale’s offense started slowly but gained momentum in the third inning. After two walks from Trayton Land and Royce McLeod, the Hornets began to find their rhythm. A key two-RBI double from Ortiz highlighted their offensive progress, trimming Tolar’s lead to 6–4.
Despite loading the bases later in the inning, Cottondale was unable to capitalize fully, leaving runners stranded as the game wound down. The Hornets continued to show promise with their plate discipline and aggressive baserunning, indicating positive growth for the team.
While the Hornets did not secure a victory in their opening week, the games provided crucial early-season experience. The players demonstrated their capability to compete against county rivals, and as they shake off their early-season nerves, they aim to transform these narrow losses into wins as the 2026 campaign progresses.
As the season unfolds, the Cottondale Hornets will focus on building upon their initial experiences, honing their skills, and striving for improvement in future games.
