The Morris Eagles split a doubleheader with the Keys Cougars on Tuesday, winning the first matchup 19-6 and dropping the second in a 9-1 contest.

— Morris, Finch defeat Keys in 19-6 blowout Jax Finch collected four hits in five at bats, as the Morris Eagles defeated the Keys Cougars 19-6 on Tuesday at Keys. Finch tripled in the third inning, doubled in the seventh inning, singled in the second inning and singled in the first inning.

Morris was the first to get on the board in the first when Dayton Andrews singled, scoring two runs.

The Eagles added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after Finch singled down the left field line, and Andrews grounded out, each scoring one run.

An error, a single by Landon Martin and a triple by Finch helped Morris extend their early lead in the third.

The Eagles scored six runs on two hits in the top of the seventh inning. Emmett Mote doubled, scoring three runs, Finch doubled, scoring one run, Andrews drew a walk, scoring one run and Shaunry Thomas drew a walk, scoring one run.

Landon Martin opened the game for Morris. The pitcher surrendered two hits and five runs (three earned) over four innings, striking out seven and walking five. Colt Ward started on the mound for Keys. The right-handed pitcher surrendered two hits and two runs over one-third of an inning, striking out none and walking one. Finch also appeared in relief for Morris.

The Eagles piled up 15 hits in the game. Andrews and Jax Finch each drove in three runs for Morris. Martin and Baylor Ledford each collected multiple hits for the Eagles, who had patience at the plate, collecting eight walks for the game. Andrews, Thomas, and Rowan Ramirez led the team with two bases on balls each. Andrews, Ramirez, Finch and Micheal Elam each stole multiple bases. The Eagles ran wild on the base paths, amassing 14 stolen bases for the game.

Ward, Zaden Tatum and Micah Begay each collected one hit for Keys. Ward and Micah Begay each drove in two runs for the Cougars, while Tatum led Keys with three walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game. Ward and Jarrett Hall each stole multiple bases for Keys, who piled up seven stolen bases for the game.

— Cougar’s big first too much for Eagles A fast start proved to be the difference Tuesday as Keys used a six-run first inning to pull away from Morris and secure a 9-1 victory.

Morris struck first and briefly held the advantage in the opening inning, manufacturing a run with aggressive baserunning, highlighted by a steal of home to take a 1-0 lead.

However, that momentum quickly shifted in the bottom half of the inning.

Keys answered in emphatic fashion, plating six runs on three hits to take control of the contest. Defensive miscues proved costly for the Eagles, with a key error allowing three runs to cross the plate as the Cougars seized a 6-1 lead they would not relinquish.

Keys continued to build on that early cushion in the third inning. Zaden Tatum and Jax Espinal each delivered run-scoring doubles, while Kaden Tatum reached on catcher’s interference to drive in another run, extending the lead to 9-1.

On the mound, Keys’ Garrett Lane delivered a strong performance, limiting Morris to just two hits and one unearned run over five innings. Lane struck out six batters and did not issue a walk, keeping the Eagles’ offense in check throughout.

Morris turned to Keaton Carnes as the starter, who battled through three innings, allowing six hits and nine runs – five earned – while striking out two and walking two.

At the plate, Rowan Ramirez provided a bright spot for Morris, going 2-for-3 to account for both of the team’s hits.

Keys saw a balanced offensive effort, with Colt Ward, Espinal and Tatum each collecting two hits. Espinal and Tatum also drove in runs, while Tatum added pressure on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

Morris will look to regroup as they prepare for another matchup against Keys in their next outing.