The Beggs Golden Demons opened their season Monday, under new Head Coach Cody Pair, defeating the Checotah Wildcats 4-1 on their home field to start the year 1-0.
After two scoreless innings, Beggs found its rhythm in the bottom of the third. The Demons capitalized on patience at the plate and pressure on the bases to plate two runs and seize early control. They added two more in the fourth inning, stretching the lead to 4-0 and putting Checotah on its heels.
While Beggs managed just two hits on the night, the offense made the most of its opportunities. The Demons drew seven walks and consistently put the ball in play, forcing Checotah to make defensive plays. Landon Helt and Dayson Sparkman recorded the team’s two hits, while Sparkman and Colton McCoy each drove in runs. Jerrett Hammer crossed the plate once and also contributed offensively, as Beggs manufactured runs through disciplined at-bats and aggressive base running.
On the mound, Hammer delivered a standout performance to anchor the victory. The righthander threw a complete game, allowing just three hits and one earned run across seven innings. He did not issue a walk and struck out 11 batters, needing only 87 pitches – 61 for strikes to control the contest. Hammer retired hitters in key moments and prevented Checotah from building any sustained momentum.
Checotah’s lone run came in the top of the seventh inning, but by that point the Demons’ four-run cushion proved sufficient. The Wildcats were limited to three hits and were unable to capitalize further as Hammer closed the door with poise.
Defensively, Beggs backed its pitcher with steady play behind him, avoiding costly mistakes and keeping runners off the bases. Checotah pitcher A. Wilhite worked six innings, allowing four runs – three earned – while striking out six, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
— Checotah edges Beggs in one-run road game
The Beggs Demons came up just short Tuesday night, falling 2-1 to the Checotah Wildcats in a tightly contested matchup on the road.
Checotah struck first, plating a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. From there, the contest settled into a pitcher’s duel as both teams struggled to generate consistent offense.
Beggs found its answer in the top of the fourth. After being held scoreless through the first three frames, the Demons broke through with timely contact and aggressive base running to even the game at 1-1. Jerrett Hammer and Landon Helt each recorded hits in the contest, while Colton McCoy and Dayson Sparkman also contributed base knocks. The Demons finished the night with four hits and worked nine walks, creating opportunities despite striking out 13 times.
The Wildcats regained the advantage in the fifth inning, capitalizing on limited chances to push across what proved to be the game-winning run. Checotah managed just two hits on the night but made them count, pairing them with five walks to manufacture both runs.
On the mound, Landon Helt delivered a steady performance for Beggs. Helt tossed five innings, allowing two runs on one hit while striking out seven. He threw 73 pitches, 50 for strikes, keeping Checotah hitters off balance for much of the evening. Kash Coale worked one inning in relief, surrendering one hit and striking out two while throwing 20 pitches.
Checotah’s M. Rainbolt earned the win after working 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and one run while striking out six. T. Guthrie closed the door over the final 2.1 innings, giving up one hit and striking out three to secure the victory.
Defensively, Beggs limited damage throughout the game, preventing any big innings and keeping the contest within reach until the final out. Despite out-hitting Checotah 4-2, the Demons were unable to string together enough timely offense to overcome the narrow deficit.
With the loss, Beggs moves to 1-1 on the young season under head coach Cody Pair. Checotah also stands at 1-1. The Demons will look to build on a strong pitching effort and improved situational hitting as they continue early-season play.
