SEVIERVILLE — A great performance on the mound, complimented by a sparkling defensive performance helped the Sevier County Smoky Bears to a 9-3 win over the Morristown West Trojans Monday evening at Cliff Davis Field.

The Trojans, previously unbeaten in District 2-AAA, were plagued by horrendous defense throughout the game, allowing the Bears (15-8, 7-2) the comfortable margin of victory.

“That is was not (the real) Morristown West. That’s about as bad as they can play,” SCHS coach Lance Traywick said. “They will be a much better team tomorrow night. They’ll be a totally different club. If our boys aren’t ready for that it could be a really long ride home.”

The Smoky Bears manufactured a run in the bottom of the first to take an early lead.

Senior Michael Farragut found his way to first by way of an error, then stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error. Seconds later Zach Flynn drove him in with a sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

The third inning saw three more Bears’ runs cross the plate.

One came by way of a Brandon Houser RBI single, and the others came on a Farragut flyball to left field, which was botched, allowing two Bears to score and make the tally 4-0.

West struck for two in the top of the third on a two-run double, but Sevier County exploded for four more in the bottom of the frame to give their freshman pitcher Dillon Cate some breathing room.

That rally was spurred by a Cate RBI single on a nice hit-and-run call with Zach Flynn on second.

Moments later catcher Kyle Pope delivered an RBI base knock, and two more runs scored in the inning on a passed ball and an infield error to make it 8-2.

Sevier County’s last run of the game came in the bottom of the fourth when Flynn connected for his fifth home run of the season.

The opposite field shot cleared the 340 sign in right-center, much to the delight of the Smoky Bears’ bench.

Morristown was able to add another run in the sixth, but Cate stayed calm and closed out the game for the win.

“How about freshman Dillon Cate coming in and just dominating on the mound?” Traywick asked. “He did a great job. You can’t say enough about him, and the guys behind him did what they were supposed to do.”

Among the highlight plays from the defense were a Charlie Fields’ running catch in center with his back to the infield and some great plays at second base from sophomore Kelby Carr.

The Bears will try to complete the sweep of West Tuesday on the road.

mpsports@themountainpress.com