Bentonville West scored in only two innings Tuesday, but the runs were enough to top Pea Ridge.

The Wolverines bunched together four runs in both the second and third innings and defeated Pea Ridge 8-5 in the opening game of the Jarren Sorters Memorial Tournament at Rieff Park. Sophomore right-hander Dakota McDonald recorded the final two outs after Pea Ridge (7-2) rallied for three runs and had the tying run at the plate in the seventh.

Westin Church had a two-run double, and Hayden Holtgrewe drove in one with single in the seventh for Pea Ridge, which trailed 8-1 after three innings. McDonald retired Landon Allison on a fly ball to right field and Dillon Workes on a popup to second base to preserve the victory for the Wolverines (5-3).

"Dakota is a young guy who's going to have a chance to be a good pitcher," Bentonville West coach Chip Durham said. "We like him a lot. He throws strikes."

The tournament continues today and Thursday with games at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Bentonville West and Gentry will begin play today, followed by Prairie Grove and Ozark, then Booneville and Pea Ridge.

Bentonville West jumped ahead with four runs on four hits in the second inning. Marlin Keller had a two-run triple following a walk to Zach Trammell and a double by Jason Gloeckler. Keller stole home when the catcher threw to third base during a rundown.

Chandler Tidwell had an RBI double for Pea Ridge before the Wolverines added four runs to take an 8-1 lead. Joey Haden had a two-run double and McDonald an RBI single in the inning.

"We did a good of base running and making contact at the plate," Durham said.

Left-hander Tyler Oddell earned the victory with relief help from McDonald and Carter Bourg. Oddell hit two batters and loaded the bases in the fourth inning, but worked out of the jam with consecutive strikeouts.
