New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

New Kent wallops Lakeland in opening round of regional playoffs

By Robb Johnson | May 24, 2018 9:01 am

New Kent catcher Chris Wade (left) prepares to apply a tag to Lakeland baserunner Josh Bennett for an out.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s baseball team has had a tumultuous year from losing streaks to winning streaks. However, redemption can be achieved beginning with postseason play. That’s what happened in the opening round of the Class 3A Region A contest against Lakeland.

The host Trojans walloped a winless Lakeland Cavaliers team 16-2, setting up a rematch against Bay Rivers foe Tabb in the quarterfinals. New Kent won the regular season meeting behind a no-hit effort from Aaron Wiggins.

While New Kent struggled in the opening frame, the hosts began putting the ball in play in the second inning. Simple base hits pressured the Cavaliers’ pitching staff and fielders. The result was seven runs crossing home plate for the hosts, more than enough to dispose of the Cavaliers.

New Kent head coach Michael Kuper said that getting his team to focus on the opponent and not the record was key to their victory.

“That team we played today plays in a tough district,” he said. “They have taken their lumps throughout the season.

“We knew we had to play clean baseball today,” Kuper continued. “We did that, coming out on top.”

The Trojans are scheduled to face Tabb on Friday (May 25).