Lambert’s pitching, defense key New Kent win over Jamestown

New Kent's Tyler Lambert touches home plate, scoring another Trojan run as the ball eludes Jamestown pitcher Shawn Hughes.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Taking on Jamestown’s Eagles came as welcome relief for New Kent baseball coach Ronnie Cox, who in recent weeks has guided his team through a series of nail-biters.

Cox’s host Trojans moved in front to stay with a three-run first inning and pulled away from there for a 10-0 triumph in five innings. Wednesday’s outcome upped New Kent’s record to 10-4.

While the Trojan offense provided runs, the defense and pitcher Tyler Lambert kept the Eagles off the base paths. Lambert went the distance, scattering five hits. He notched just one strikeout but never issued a walk.

“Tyler was really economical with his pitches,” Cox said. “He was mixing them up and had no 3-2 counts at all.

“He basically challenged them,” the coach added. “He went right at them and we made some plays in the field. Pitching and defense was the key.”

A passed ball third strike with leadoff batter Steven Carpenter at the plate opened the door for the Trojans in the first. Eagle starter Shawn Hughes walked Michael Carpenter before a bad hop off the bat of Lambert handcuffed second baseman Austin Carter. The ball rolled deep into the outfield, enabling both Carpenters to score. Lambert followed moments later on a wild pitch.

Three more Trojans crossed the plate in the third after the hosts loaded the bases on singles by Michael Carpenter and Lambert and Chris Beshai took a pitch on the shoulder. Hughes walked in a run before a wild pitch and throwing error on the next play plated two more.

Michael Carpenter’s two run double and RBI singles from Beshai and Clay Simpson highlighted a four-run fourth that closed out the scoring.