Davis' Jersey Retired, Cats Fall To Butler

Rye Davis stands with his retired jersey banner with the Wildcats.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It was bittersweet baseball last night at Wildcat Field where Edmonson County lost their third game in a row in a tough match to district rival Butler County, but a pregame ceremony brought back good memories from a former Wildcat.

The team officially retired former pitcher Rye Davis' jersey last night and recognized the 2007 ECHS graduate that went on to test the waters in professional baseball.

Davis throws out the ceremonial first pitch.

Davis was a 6-year starter for the Wildcats who was named all-district 5 times and a 2-time All-Region player during that span. He notched more than 300 strikeouts as a Wildcat, racked up more than 20 wins with multiple no-hitters and finished his high school career with a 1.80 ERA. 

He went on to pitch at WKU where he was named All-Conference multiple times, enjoyed two conference championships, was a Hilltopper team captain, and was recently named to WKU's All-Century team. He currently holds the record for most saves and appearances for WKU.

After college, Davis signed with the Phillies and pitched in their minor league organization for two seasons.

Davis now is pursuing a career in country music as a singer/songwriter. He performed the National Anthem just before he threw out last night's ceremonial first pitch. He spoke to the Edmonson Voice about the special night.

"This is pretty cool," he said. "To be able to have played the greatest sport in the greatest place in the world is pretty special."

Nick Clemmons (18) beats the throw to first with an infield hit.

Jacob Vincent delivers a pitch against Butler County.

Edmonson County's bats, however, would be a different story as the Wildcats only mustered up three hits against the Butler County Bears in a 2-0 loss. Jacob Vincent went 3.1 innings for EC, giving up 3 hits, walking 4, while striking out 3. Chaz Wilson came in and gave 3.2 innings, giving up only one hit while striking out 3 with no walks. 

Gavin Rose takes a swing at a pitch against Butler County.

Chaz Wilson delivers a pitch against Butler County.

Hunter McKee went the full 7 innings on the mound for Butler County, striking out 11 while only walking three.

Nick Clemmons went 2-3 for the Cats while Gabe Lindsey added the other hit, going 1-3.

Edmonson County is now 12-7 on the season and is scheduled to take on Russellville at home on Thursday, April 25th at 6pm.