Charles City can’t shake errors, Middlesex coasts to 16-2 victory

Charles City's Sherod Barnes rounds second base as he speeds his way to home plate for the Panthers first run.

Noah Kennedy photo

Charles City High School’s baseball team can’t seem to shake their mistakes.

Mental errors combined with the ability to close an inning played into their downfall as they fell 16-2 to Middlesex Monday afternoon.

Middlesex took advantage on the base paths with aggressive running as they turned basic hits into advances around the diamond. Couple with errors, Middlesex orchestrated a 3-0 lead before Charles City was able to get off the field in the first inning.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Middlesex retired the Panther batters in order in the bottom of the frame, allowing them to return to the plate. This time, the visitors scored six runs in the top of the second. By the time the bottom of the third inning rolled around, Middlesex held a 16-0 lead.

The Panthers mustered a couple of scores in the latter innings. In the bottom of the third, Sherod Barnes singled to get on base. Aiden Cash tripled for the hosts, putting Charles City on the board. A run in the bottom of the fifth provided the Panthers run number two, but Middlesex was able to take care of the rest and close out the contest.

Charles City Head Coach Ryan Gardner said he is looking for his team to get better as the season closes out.

“Just because the score doesn’t say it doesn’t mean you’re not winning,” he commented. “Individual improvement helps a team get better.”

Charles City falls to 2-14 on the season.