FORREST CITY -- The Blytheville Chickasaws snapped a 64-game conference losing streak Tuesday night thanks to a 7-5 over Forrest City in the first game of a doubleheader.
The last time the Chicks won a 5A-East game, current Gosnell head coach Blake Burnside was the coach -- on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 in game one of a doubleheader at Helena-West Helena.
"I didn't realize it was that long," said Blytheville head coach Randy Smith. "I knew we hadn't won a game since I'd been here. It's just really good that we got a conference win. The kids were excited and we had a shot at both games. That would have been really something."
Blytheville jumped out to a 5-0 lead after an inning and a half. The Mustangs responded with four in the home half of the second.
The Chicks scored a run in the fourth and one more insurance run in the seventh. Forrest City scored a run in the fourth but was held scoreless over the final five innings.
Alex Draughn got the win for the Chicks on the mound. Draughn allowed five runs on five hits while striking out five over four innings. Jamal Washington got the save, pitching a perfect fifth, sixth and seventh innings and striking out three batters.
Leading the Chicks offense were Draughn (2-4 with an RBI), Washington (3-4 with 3 runs scored), Josh Plunkett (2-3, RBI and 2 runs scored), Calup Hedger (2-4) and Matt Bernham (2-4).
The win improved the Chicks record to 3-11 overall and 1-8 in the 5A-East.
Blytheville tried to make it two in a row over Forrest City but the Mustangs plated four runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 6-3 win in the nightcap of Tuesday night's doubleheader.
Forrest City scored two in the first before their four-run sixth. The Chicks scored a run in the second and two in the top half of the sixth inning.
Cody Hearyman pitched five strong innings for Blytheville, allowing four runs on five hits while fanning four. Jamal Washington pitched an inning, giving up two runs on one hit and striking out two.
Leading the offense for the Chicks were Washington (2-3 with an RBI), Calup Hedger, Chris Pugh and Bo Self each scored a run for Blytheville.
Blytheville (3-12, 1-9 5A-East) takes on South Pemiscott, Mo. at Three Rivers Community College Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
The Blytheville Lady Chicks dropped both games of a 5A-East doubleheader, losing to Forrest City, 17-0 and 20-0. Blytheville hosts Caruthersville, Mo. at 4:30 Friday at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex.
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com