Brody Batchelor working on the strike zone during his appearance pitching for the Tigers. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)
WARSAW — The Clinton Dark Horses secured a dominant 14-4 victory over the James Kenan Tigers in varsity baseball action. Clinton’s offense surged early, while James Kenan struggled with control in the first few innings before settling down. Despite a late push from the Tigers, Clinton maintained control and closed out the game with a strong defensive showing.
The Dark Horses wasted no time putting pressure on James Kenan’s defense. In the first inning, Clinton capitalized on early control issues from James Kenan’s pitching staff, leading to multiple walks that allowed runners to reach base. The Dark Horses strung together hits to drive in three runs, setting the tone for the game.
James Kenan responded in the bottom of the first with a leadoff single from Eli Avent. After advancing on a groundout, he later came around to score, cutting Clinton’s lead to 3-1. However, that would be the closest James Kenan got, as Clinton’s bats stayed active in the next few frames.
The second inning saw Clinton extend its lead further. A two-run hit from Hunter Whitman brought home two runners, followed by another RBI hit to make it 5-1. Later in the inning, both Trip Phipps and Logan Pope crossed home plate after an infield error, pushing the lead to 7-1 before James Kenan could record the final out.
On the defensive side, Cal Avent took the mound for James Kenan in an attempt to slow Clinton’s offense. However, in the third inning, Clinton once again took advantage of miscues. Two consecutive walks put runners on base, and aggressive baserunning resulted in a successful double steal, advancing runners to second and third. Shortly after, an RBI single and a deep sacrifice fly helped Clinton push its lead to 9-1.
James Kenan had a chance to respond in the bottom of the third when Paxton Smith and Jeremiah Hall reached base. With runners on first and third, the Tigers executed a well-timed steal attempt, but Clinton’s defense held firm. A high pop fly was tracked down in the outfield, and a quick throw home kept James Kenan from scoring, limiting the damage to just one additional run.
After struggling through the first three innings, James Kenan’s defense began to find its rhythm. Hunter Whitman made a key play at first base, snagging a sharp grounder and quickly flipping it to second for a force out. Pitching adjustments also helped, as Brody Batchelor entered in relief and held Clinton scoreless for the fourth and fifth innings.
Meanwhile, James Kenan attempted to chip away at Clinton’s lead. In the bottom of the fourth, Daniel Grady reached base on a walk, followed by a double from Shane Braswell that put runners in scoring position. A well-placed infield hit brought Grady home, cutting the lead to 11-2.
The Tigers continued their push in the fifth inning when Mari Graham lined a single to center field, advancing another runner to third. Clinton’s pitcher responded by recording a crucial strikeout, but Eli Avent stepped up with an RBI hit, narrowing the score to 11-3.
Clinton regained its momentum in the sixth inning. After a leadoff walk, Clinton’s batter delivered a deep hit to the outfield, driving in another run to extend the lead to 13-4. James Kenan had an opportunity to respond when Tyquise Wilson reached first on a hit and later stole second, but Clinton’s infield turned a sharp double play to end the inning.
In the seventh, Clinton sealed the game with a combination of steady pitching and strong defensive execution. A groundout to Hunter Whitman at first base, followed by a clean throw from second baseman Logan Pope, helped Clinton retire the first two batters. James Kenan managed to get a runner in scoring position, but a final pop fly to left field ended the game, securing the 14-4 victory for Clinton.
James Kenan head coach Lee Sutton acknowledged his team’s early struggles but was pleased with how they adjusted later in the game.
“I feel like we came out of the gates and played a little nervous for the first few innings,” Sutton said. “Too many walks in the first three innings, and a few mental mistakes cost us several runs. Credit to Clinton, though; they are a tough baseball team. After that, I was happy with how my team settled down and played. I feel like we did a good job finding barrels, and that will pay off for us here soon.”
Sutton also highlighted key players for James Kenan. Eli Avent played a key role offensively and defensively, showing why he is a crucial leader for the team. “Eli is the kind of player you want to coach. He gives 110% every rep, practice or game. He is also a great hitter and a great athlete,” Sutton said.
He also pointed to Cal Avent’s contributions as a pitcher and third baseman as a critical factor for James Kenan moving forward. “Cal is going to have to step up as a pitcher for us this year and anchor down third base, as well as hit for power.”
Sutton mentioned Hunter Whitman and Paxton Smith as additional key players to watch as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, James Kenan’s primary focus is on continued improvement. “We will be returning most of the team, all nine current starters actually, for next year,” Sutton said. “Our main goal this year is to be substantially better by our last ballgame than we are right now. If that comes with a playoff berth, that’s great. If it doesn’t, so be it. We are focused on getting better and doing it the right way.”
Clinton built an early lead with aggressive baserunning and capitalized on James Kenan’s early pitching struggles. The Dark Horses scored in each of the first three innings, taking control of the game with a 9-1 lead by the third. James Kenan showed resilience, tightening up defensively and adding late runs, but Clinton’s consistent offensive execution ensured they stayed in control.
