Nate Karns delivers a pitch in Martin's 5-3 win over Bowie
(Star-Telegram Photo)Baseball is a funny game. One night you can't seem to buy a run despite hitting the ball well (as was the case in Desoto on Tuesday night), and on another night you seem to find ways to score regardless of how well anyone is hitting, as was the case in this game. Needing a win to stay in the District 7-5A lead pack, Martin turned to its speed, aggressive baserunning, and ability to capitalize on multiple Volunteer errors to manufacture a 5-3 victory. The Warriors took the lead in the first when Bryce Peterman singled, advanced to second when Kyle Swearingen reached on an error, then scored on Nate Karns single up the middle. Martin tacked on another run in the second. With two outs, Will Keiser reached on an error and advanced to third on an errant throw to first on Shaun Garcia's grounder. With runners at first and third, Garcia broke for second to draw the throw from the catcher allowing Keiser to score easily. It was more of the same in the third inning. Karns was hit by a pitch and advanced to second when Jordan Imhoff reached on an error. Karns advanced to third on Brian Fite's fly to centerfield, and scored when Imhoff broke for second drawing the catcher's throw. The Warriors threatened to blow things open in the fourth when Zach Laster and Keiser opened with consecutive singles. Garcia followed with a fielder's choice, forcing Keiser out at 2nd and advancing Laster to third. With runners once again at first and third, it was beginning to look like "de ja vu all over again". Garcia stole second...this time Bowie conceded the base rather than the run. However, a few pitches later, Laster scored on a wild pitch with Garcia advancing to third. Garcia scored on Peterman's fielder's choice. After being completely dominated all night by Karns, Bowie mounted a "too little, too late" rally in the seventh, scoring three runs on one hit and without getting the ball out the infield. Come to think of it...Bowie only had two balls leave the infield all night. This was definitely not the formula that has brought so much success to the Warriors this season, but as they say...."a win is a win", and sometimes you just have to win ugly. Go Warriors!