No. 3 ranked Hornets improve to 6-0
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The No. 3 ranked Miller Grove Hornets traveled to Fruitvale Friday, looking to keep their undefeated start going. The game was a rematch from earlier in the week, when the Hornets beat Fruitvale at home by a final score of 16-1.
The Hornets got off to a very hot start, when Jagger Qualls hit a one-out double to bring in Riley Hasten, who opened the game with a leadoff walk. Landon Burnett followed with a walk of his own, before Lexton Sly drove in a run with an RBI single.
Kavan Smith came up to bat later in the inning, with the bases loaded and two outs. Smith hit a line drive to center, unloading the bases and giving the Hornets a 5-0 lead.
Sly was the starting pitcher for the Hornets, and hit the mound for the first time with a five-run lead. After allowing a leadoff single, Sly got a pair of pop outs. Miller Grove did allow one run in the frame, though it was an unearned run.
Both teams were silent in the second inning, before the Hornets’ offense exploded in the top of the third. Tanner Hensley opened the inning with a single and Smith followed with a walk, before Lance Davis bunted for a single, bringing in a run.
Miller Grove went on to score seven runs in the frame, doing so on four hits. Already working with a solid lead prior to the inning, the Hornets took a huge 12-1 lead into the bottom of the third.
Sly kept his solid start going, getting out of the third inning without allowing a run.
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Despite already working with a double-digit lead, the Hornets continued their strong offensive play in the top of the fourth, loading the bases before they recorded an out. Miller Grove went on to add another four runs to their lead, doing so on a pair of hits.
Needing just three more outs, Sly stayed out on the mound for the bottom of the inning. After allowing a leadoff single, Sly struck out the next three batters, wrapping up the 16-1 win for the Hornets.
Sly got the win, allowing just two hits in his four innings of work. Miller Grove allowed one run in the game, but it was not an earned run and Sly was not charged for it. He also struck out seven batters, averaging just under two per inning.
Sly also led the team at the plate, going an impressive 4-for-4. He also had a team-high four RBI and came in to score three times.
Jacob George, Qualls, Eastin Christian, Smith and Davis each had one hit for Miller Grove. Qualls drove in two runs, while Hasten, George, Burnett, Bradley Nordin, Christian, Smith and Davis each drove in one run.
The win improves Miller Grove’s record to 6-0 on the year. They also jumped up to No. 3 in the rankings according to Texas High School Baseball.
The Hornets return to action Monday with a pair of games against Hughes Springs. They will also travel to Santo Thursday. Coverage of all their games this week will be published on Front Porch News.
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