Wednesday, March 14, 2012 2:10 pm

SPARTA – Cannon County built an early lead but suffered one costly inning that proved detrimental in 14-4 loss at White County Tuesday.

Dalton Bell led Cannon County (0-2) with a 2-for-3 performance that included two runs scored and a RBI. Cody Phillips added an RBI double and C.W. Alexander singled and scored in the setback.

The Lions jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the top of the second. Bell reached to start the game, moved to second on Brock Francis’ ground out and scored on Brent Duggin’s base hit. Duggin came around to score on Phillips’ double to give Cannon County a 2-0 lead.

White County (1-1) came back with one in the bottom of the first, but Cannon County answered with two in the top of the second to go on top 4-1 and things were looking good for the Lions.

Then the bottom of the second came. The nightmarish inning included six errors and five walks. Before the dust had settled, Cannon County allowed 12 runs, nine unearned, and walked five, to go along with four hits as White County went on top 13-4.

Cannon County faces Silverdale in the first game of the South Pittsburg Home Run Classic at South Pittsburg Thursday at 4 p.m. The Lions also play defending Class A state runner-up South Pittsburg Thursday at 8 p.m.