ST. CATHERINE, Ky. — Rain makes the grass grow and the flowersbloom. But it’s bad news for baseball, especially baseballtournaments.

In some cases, rain can serve as a tonic, an elixir, even in theBourbon Capital of the world. In Co-Lin’s case, Thursday’s65-minute rain delay allowed the Wolves to refocus and regroup.They were in a 3-3 deadlock with Lenoir (N.C.) when the wet stuffbegan pouring down in the sixth inning of the Southeast SuperRegional opener.

Co-Lin head coach Keith Case lectured his team in the dugoutafter the umpires called play to a halt. Thunder boomed andlightning strikes speared the green hills surrounding Edelon-HeydenPark. Wind whistled through the rafters of the large concrete blockdugout where a mother bird and her chicks were findingsecurity.

“Relax. Make adjustments in your hitting. Hit the ball on theground. Make them (Lenoir) work for it.”

Case’s words of wisdom worked wonders. After his reserves hadassisted the St. Catharine players in covering the field with ahuge tarp, Snickers candy bars were distributed in Co-Lin’s firstbase dugout.

Players watched it rain and talked quietly. When play resumed,Lenoir relief pitcher Jacob Allen retired the next two batters toend the sixth.

The seventh provided a big turnaround for Co-Lin. The Wolfpackexploded for 4 runs on 5 hits. Xavier Qualls lashed an RBI tripleand scored himself on an overthrow. Patrick Williams and GarrettJones slugged solo home runs.

On the mound, Co-Lin pitcher Derek Thompson regained hisstrength. In the sixth, his grunting had grown louder with eachpitch.

After the rain delay, Thompson was rejuvenated. The dugout camealive with enthusiasm.

“The delay probably helped Derek,” said Case.

Thompson agreed. “The rain delay gave me a second wind.”

Lenoir coach Lind Hartsell tried to be philosophical andspiritual about the rain delay. “The rain was God’s work.”

Hartsell’s Lancer’s had the momentum but they lost it.

Qualls impress Major League scouts

Qualls, a freshman from Brookhaven, collected 3 hits and wasrobbed of a fourth when second baseman J.J. House stabbed a linedrive. Qualls also showcased his speed running the bases.

His performance caught the attention of numerous senior collegecoaches and Major League Baseball scouts who were in attendance.After the game, Qualls was busy filling out a New York Metsquestionnaire for a scout.

“I’m going to call my office about you,” said the scout. “Wewant to keep you on our radar.”

Overall, it was a great win for the Wolves who have conqueredadversity in triumphant fashion. Injuries have reduced the rosterto 16 active players.

“This win is very fulfilling for our team,” said Case. “Theyhave a lot of heart. We beat a very good team.”

Three injured Co-Lin players who made the trip to Kentucky areinfielder Justin Sykes of Brookhaven, first baseman Te Riley ofNatchez and pitcher Justin Smith of Wesson. They’ve providedemotional support, plus assisting with practice sessions.

Freshman catcher Adam Ogden of Brookhaven recently under wentshoulder surgery and didn’t’ make the trip. Neither did sophomorepitcher Colby Beach of Franklin County who sustained an elbowinjury before the season started. Beach and Ogden are inrehabilitation.

Although this Co-Lin team doesn’t have the talent possessed bythe 2000 World Series squad, they are a special group. They haveheart and a never-say-die attitude.

The Wolves face an outstanding Itawamba squad today in thesecond round. The Indians have 29 players on their roster. Two ofthem, pitcher Jared Koon and outfielder Andy Rice, have signed withMississippi State. Infielder Kyle Mills has signed with Ole Miss.Outfielder Clay Dozier has signed with Delta State.

Certainly, baseball can be unpredictable. Just ask Pearl River.The Wildcats were ranked No. 1 in the nation but lost twice toCo-Lin in the South Region 23 Tournament at Poplarville two weeksago.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com