New Kent’s Redman outduels Hanson, Lafayette Rams in 2-1 victory

New Kent hurler Nick Redman dominates the mound as he throws a complete game in the victory.

Robb Johnson photo

A May 19 pitching duel between New Kent pitcher Nick Redman and University of Virginia bound Luke Hanson of Lafayette saw both hurlers in a tight, seven-inning contest. But when the final pitch was tossed, it was the hosting Trojans that escaped with a win.

New Kent overcame the challenge from the collegiate bound pitcher en route to a 2-1 win to remain undefeated on the year.

Even before Hanson took the mound for the visitors, he helped his own cause. A swing of the bat from Redman’s pitch resulted in the ball sailing over the right field fence and an early 1-0 Lafayette advantage.

But from there, Redman settled down on the mound and received some help at the bottom of the opening inning. With two runners on base, Nick Wiles chopper resulted in a fielder’s choice, allowing Trojan teammate Jack Swynford to cross the plate to tie the game at one apiece.

With the pitching battle between Redman and Hanson continuing for the next four innings, it wasn’t until the bottom of the sixth when the next run would register on the scoreboard. New Kent’s Brayden Heath advanced to third base on a ground rule double followed by a pass ball. From there, Wiles blasted a ball deep into the outfield, resulting in a sacrifice fly and bringing Heath across home plate to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

In the top of the seventh inning, Hanson had one last opportunity at the plate to help his own cause on the mound. However, the Ram hurler was forced into a fly out and ended any additional offensive threat to the Trojans.

After the contest, New Kent Head Coach Trevor Ronan kept it simple when he spoke about his team’s bounce back after the early home run.

“Nick [Redman] kept his composure on the mound, kept his head up, and kept battling,” the victorious head coach said. “We have a game Friday and we are going to work hard in practice.”

New Kent’s record improves to 5-0 on the season.