ELIZABETHTOWN- A situational mix-up ended a last-inning Clarkton School of Discovery rally, and Jayce Hatcher pitched Emereau Bladen to a 3-2 non-conference baseball victory Thursday.
Aidan Trinidad and Gabriel Wright laced 1-out singles in the Blue Devil 7th inning, and Ryne Priest walked to load the bases. Hatcher struck out the next batter for the 2nd out.
“The next batter thought ball 3 was ball 4 and started running to first,” said Clarkton Coach Robert Mazur. “The runner on 3rd reacted and thought it was a walk, instead he got tagged out for the 3rd out. Tough way to lose, we let it get away but hopefully we will learn from that. Hard pill to swallow.”
The other story of the game was Hatcher pitching a complete game 4-hitter and striking out 16 batters. “The Hatcher kid threw the ball well and we were finally getting runners aboard,” noted Mazur. “That many Ks (strike-outs) is hard to compete with.”
Emereau Coach Joseph Hatcher (Jayce’s father) said, “Jayce pitched a gem. He was dealing today.”
The Aviators jumped in front with a 3-run 1st inning. Cooper Long and Tyler Eason belted singles, and Hatcher hammered a double that scored Long and Eason. Cade Rogers’ fielder’s choice plated Hatcher.
Noah German walked to begin the Blue Devil 5th inning. Trinidad cracked a single, and Wright knocked in German and Trinidad with a double to trim the lead to 3-2.
Wright finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored and the 2-run double. Trinidad also batted 2-for-3 and scored a run. German walked and scored a run.
German started on the mound and pitched 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk while striking out one. Jaxon Hair pitched the 6th inning and walked one.
At the plate Hatcher smashed the 2-run double, walked and scored a run. Long and Eason both singled and scored runs, and Rogers picked up a run batted in.
It was Emereau Bladen’s 1st win of the season. The Aviators, now 1-3, will travel to Harrells Christian Monday at 4 p.m. Clarkton, now 1-1, will host Tabor City Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Clarkton 000 020 0 — 2-4-2
Emereau 300 000 x — 3-3-1
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