The groundwork for many sports is laid during the summer months.

Chilton County High School and Thorsby High School both got a glimpse of some of the future potential during a summer baseball game on June 14.

The Tigers won both games of a doubleheader at home, with each contest lasting five innings.

After the Rebels grabbed a 2-0 lead against CCHS, the Tigers responded with nine unanswered runs over the next couple of innings to win 9-2.

Even though it always feels good to finish on top of the scoreboard, summer ball presents an opportunity for evaluation and improvement on a team and individual basis.

“We have some spots to fill, and summer ball is just another chance for them to get out there and play,” CCHS head coach Ryan Ellison said. “It’s a more relaxed environment.”

Once the regular season starts, the games are played at a rapid pace with limited time available to pull guys off to the side and work on major corrections to a swing or throwing motion.

That is what makes the summer so valuable. The fact that the time is more fluid allows for an atmosphere of learning.

“It’s looking about how your team’s going to be next year and trying to fit those pieces in,” Ellison said. “It’s a good idea of where to start.”

The lineups are far from complete during the summer with players recovering from injury or playing elsewhere.

Game 2 was much more of a pitcher’s duel, with both teams going hitless through the first two innings.

However, CCHS eventually broke through for a 4-0 victory.

Senior Jaylon Gilley started Game 2 for the Tigers and took the mound with a simple mindset.

“Throw strikes and find the zone,” Gilley said.

According to Gilley, he has worked on his hitting throughout the summer, especially when it comes to his approach early in counts.

CCHS outhit Thorsby 14-6 during the doubleheader, while the defenses for both teams flashed the glove on several occasions.

Each team turned a double play and only two errors were committed during the contests.

This is the first time that many of the teams in the county have come together to form a summer baseball league in June.

Jemison and Maplesville are also included along with Thorsby and CCHS.

“We’re hoping to get some more teams involved and make it even bigger for years to come,” Ellison said.