The Cougars of Canoe had another rough outing on Tuesday afternoon when they traveled to Greenville to take on Fort Dale Academy.

The Cougars (2-3, 0-0) fell in a deep hole in the first inning and could never dig out as the Eagles defeated them 11-1 in five innings.

The trouble started early for EA as they gave up eight runs to the Eagles in the first inning.

The Academy cut into the Cougars’ lead as Clayton Dyess knocked in a runner to pull the Cougars within seven runs.

That one run would be the only the Cougars would get across the plate, but their defense did tighten up after the eight-run first inning only giving up three runs through the final four innings.

The Eagles were able to add one run in the second inning and two in the fourth inning to go on top 11-1.

After the Cougars were unable to cut into the 10-run deficit in the fifth inning, the game was called on a 10-run rule.

Cougars head coach Josh Daugett said

“As far the team goes, we need to focus on making plays when we need them,” he said. “We need to get better as aunit and gell as a team. We are hitting the ball well, but we have just been getting some bad breaks. Other than that, we are looking fine.”

The Cougars began area play on Friday with a game at Clarke Prep in Grove Hill.

Daugett said his team is focused on improving their pitching and defense, so they are able to make the most of their opportunities in the area.

“Pitching and defense are what we are looking at,” he said. “This is baseball and a few key plays is what we need and then we need to score runners when we have them on base.”

The Cougars next game is Tuesday at home against Sparta. Games begin at 3:30 p.m.