By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Just as they did a year ago, the Dowagiac Chieftains swept highly touted Decatur in a non-league doubleheader Thursday afternoon.
Last year the Raiders went on to win the Division 4 state championship. This year Decatur came into the contest ranked No. 1.
Dowagiac (5-1) came from behind in both contests to earn the victories.
In the opening game, the Chieftains trailed 1-0 in the third inning as Cade Klein reached base with a one out single and then moved to third on a botched pick-off attempt.
He would score on a fielder's choice off the bat of Andy Hall.
Dowagiac won the game in the bottom of the sixth as it scored a pair of runs.
With two outs, Rod Laylin was hit by a pitch. Jonathon Bartee following with a single. Laylin then scored on a single by Richie Burling.
Bartee would then score the game-winner when the Decatur catcher's throw to third in an attempt to pick-off Bartee, bounced into left field.
Davey Moran picked up his first win of the season as he went the distance, allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts, one walk and three pick-offs.
Dowagiac finished with two hits -- Burling's and Bartee's.
In the second game the Chieftains trailed 5-3 in the sixth inning before rallying for the victory.
In the bottom of the sixth, Matthew Carlson led off with a triple and scored on a single by Laylin.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Burling drew a walk after being behind 0-2.
Jeff Cooper was then hit by a pitch to bring the winning run to the plate.
Chris Singleton then drew a walk to load the bases.
Decatur All-Stater Adam Newell came on to "close the door" for the Raiders, however, Matt Stewart crushed a two-run double over the centerfielder's head to give the Chieftains their second straight come-from-behind victory.
Brandon Zachary picked up his first varsity victory as he came on in relief. Zachary worked one inning, striking out one. He did not allow a hit nor did he walk a batter.
Singleton worked four and two-third innings before giving way to Jason McIntyre, who worked two and a third innings.
The Chieftains will get the weekend off before returning to action next Tuesday when they host Coldwater.
First Game
Decatur 001 000 0 -- 1 4 2
Dowagiac 000 002 x -- 2 2 1
Davey Moran (W, 1-0); Andy Hall (L)
Second Game
Decatur 000 230 0 -- 5 4 4
Dowagiac 200 101 2 -- 6 4 4
Brandon Zachary (W, 1-0); Adam Newell (L)
2B – Matt Stewart
3B – Matthew Carlson
HR – Andy Hall