New Kent rallies in sixth inning, completes comeback against Tabb

By Robb Johnson | March 29, 2019 9:51 am

New Kent's Benjy Boatwright looks to make contact with a pitch during the Trojans' rally.

Robb Johnson photo

When teams make a comeback, it usually has to do with destiny or something special has to happen. In the case with New Kent’s Trojans Mar. 28 contest against the visiting Tabb Tigers, it could have possibly been accredited to a head-scratching pitching decision.

After Tabb removed starting pitcher Brandon Marello after five innings, New Kent rallied from a three-run deficit to defeat the Tigers 4-3 in the Bay Rivers District contest.

Marello controlled most of the contest, keeping the hosts in check by striking out seven batters in his tenure on the mound. Marello also helped his cause, smacking a triple to drive home teammate Logan Bartells. He’d later cross the plate on a fielder’s choice to give Tabb a 2-0 lead. The guests added an additional run in the third inning to spread the lead to three.

In the sixth inning, New Kent’s Benjy Boatwright reached first base to start the inning. Teammate Chris Wade walked as the result of his plate appearance, prompting Tabb’s pitching change. Tabb reliever Trey Stover approached the mound, but his efforts could not stifle the Trojans attack. Boatwright and Wade crossed home plate, along with two more runs in the frame to provide New Kent a 4-3 lead. From there, the Trojans defense and pitching held up long enough to complete the comeback.

After the wild game, New Kent head coach Michael Kuper spoke about the sixth inning aggressiveness by his team.

“Their [Tabb] starting pitcher is very strong and we were struggling with him all day,” the coach said. “We were finally able to get him rattled and he started losing his composure.

“They went to the bullpen and at that point we knew that we had the opportunity to make a run,” Kuper continued. “Things became very exciting and I had confidence that the guys were going to make something happen out there and they did.”

New Kent improves their record to 2-2 on the season.