Panthers’ season ends, foundation continues to build
Pellissippi State (28-28) is in its second baseball season in 2026. The Panthers hosted Dyersburg State for three games in the TCCAA Playoff Series at Ridley-Helton Baseball Field.
The series opened with a doubleheader on Thursday, April 30. Dyersburg State won the series opener, 1-0. Bennett Stutts pitched a nine-inning complete game for the Eagles. He totaled nine strikeouts and 126 pitches, including 90 strikes, against 35 batters.
Pellissippi State had six hits in Game 1, including two hits from Hardin Valley alum Caden Channell.
Cooper Jones started for the Panthers and pitched 7.1 innings in the series opener. He recorded nine strikeouts and 124 pitches (89 strikes) while allowing one home run to Jordan Williamson.
The Panthers tied the best-of-three series with an 11-4 victory in Game 2.
Nathan Reed started for Pellissippi State and pitched 6.1 innings. He had six strikeouts and earned a win. Reed totaled 103 pitches, including 57 strikes against 27 batters. Cade McKay pitched 2.2 innings in relief and had three strikeouts.
Channell went 4-for-5 in Game 2 for Pellissippi State. He hit one double and totaled five bases. First baseman Trace Simmons hit one home run for the Panthers.
A series finale was contested Friday, May 1, with Dyersburg State winning, 8-3.
Pellissippi State totaled eight hits in Game 3, including three from shortstop Caden Black of Oak Ridge High School. He went 3-for-3 and recorded one home run, one triple, eight stolen bases, two RBIs, one run and two walks.
“Honestly, I think it’s all still a work in progress,” head coach Shawn Hughes said
of Pellissippi State’s baseball program. “I really think we underachieved, but we
had several injuries. We’ve done some good things and
we have some good players coming in.”
“This gives kids another opportunity to play college baseball. It’s a lot cheaper and gives these kids a chance to stay home. I think the community has wanted this for a long time.”
