New Kent bats around in first inning, crushes Warhill in 16-1 baseball win

New Kent’s Tyler Warren easily slides into home plate for a score in the opening inning.

Robb Johnson photo

Sometimes finding the right groove is all it takes to control a game. And that groove was melodious on Apr. 19 for the New Kent Trojans.

The Trojans batted around in the first inning, posting seven runs before coasting to a 16-1 victory over the visiting Warhill Lions.

After utilizing a double play to escapes trouble in the top of the first, New Kent’s bats started manifesting runs in the bottom of the frame. Already leading 2-0, Matthew Gentry’s single brought home Ashton Whitlow. Later on, Hunter Jesse’s base knock drove home two additional runs to up New Kent’s advantage to 5-0.

Still in the opening inning, Carson Seely, who led off the game, returned to the plate, connecting with a double that drove home two more runs. Lane Boyette’s RBI single would be the final score of the frame as New Kent led 8-0 after one.

The Trojans added eight additional runs throughout the remainder of the game, only surrendering one in the top of the fifth. New Kent would put together the final three outs, winning via mercy rule.

New Kent Head Coach Trevor Ronan commented that while he appreciated the win and the offensive output, his team must improve on the other side of the ball.

“The hitting was pretty good, but the defense must improve,” he said. “This was probably our worse defensive game.

“We have to prepare the right way,” Ronan added. “We must go through practice like we play the games.”

New Kent’s record improves to 8-3 on the season.