NEW MARKET — Two Charger pitchers, Keaton Brown and Talyn Sheldon, held Southmont to one hit in an 11-1 six-inning Monon Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
With Southmont leading 1-0 after four inning, the Chargers scored all their runs in the last two innings to gain the county victory. The visitors scored six runs in the fourth inning followed by six runs in the sixth frame.
Charger coach Matt Voorhees credited his team’s ability to keep the Mountie offense quiet while his team found a way to win.
“When we were able to get guys on base, we were able to scratch out runs,” Voorhees said. “Once we started to get runners on base Southmont was forced to change their defense a bit and we were able to take advantage of opportunities. Our guys were more patient at the plate and we put pressure on their defense.”
Southmont helped the Chargers by committing six errors.
Sheldon notched the win by pitching the final three innings in relief of Brown.
Southmont senior hurler Gunnar Shirk shutout North until a couple of errors opened the gates for the Charger offense.
Voorhees praised the Mounties and Shirk after the game.
“You have to give a lot of credit to South they had great defense early in the game,” Voorhees said. “Gunnar was pitching well and he kept us off balance by mixing his pitches up and pounding the zone and he did not give up walks.”
The Chargers totaled 11 hits with Keaton Brown, TJ Hinds and Lucky Young each recording two. Brown also had two RBI.
North had seven stolen bases led by Brown’s two.
Southmont’s lone run came in the third inning when Phisher Benge scored on a Dean McGaughey single.
Mountie Coach Dan Chadd felt his team played well early but did not react well when the Chargers started getting on base.
“One bad play led to about four (bad plays),” Chadd said. “The thing is teams that have won in the past find ways to make plays to win. Right now we are still thinking what we’ve done in the past and those things lead to more mistakes”
“First three innings we played great baseball and Gunnar threw great and the defense was behind him,” Chadd said. “Then the errors started and they got a few hits and we were on our heels.”
The Chargers (2-0, 1-0 MAC) play host Wednesday to Southmont (0-1, 0-1 MAC).
