New Kent scores 11 straight runs to rout Colonial Heights in home opener

Colonial Heights Haden Crowder (16) looks to the umpire for a call as New Kent’s Riggs Ellis (5) applies a tag. Crowder was called out on the play.

Robb Johnson photo

The old saying goes, “It’s not the way you start, but how you finish.” New Kent’s baseball team apparently adhered to the old adage.

After surrendering the first two runs to the visiting Colonial Height Colonials, the hosting Trojans reeled off 11 straight en route to an 11-2 victory in the Mar. 14 home opener.

Trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the third, New Kent’s Benji Boatwright smacked a two-run double, bringing in teammates Trevor West and Chris Wade. Boatwright crossed home plate on a Colonials’ error to bestow the hosts a 3-2 lead.

Meanwhile, Trojan hurler Nate Kagey stayed in control on the mound. His pitching allowed teammates to field ground balls to prevent any additional offensive threat from Colonial Heights. Meanwhile, the Trojans added eight more runs over the last four innings to coast to victory.

New Kent head coach Michael Kuper spoke about the adjustment his team made and getting back into the groove of playing baseball.

“We got down early and we have not seen a lot of live pitching,” the coach commented. “So, our guys were catching up to what we were seeing.

“It’s been a while since we beat Colonial Heights and they are usually a good ball club,” Kuper added. “It’s a good way to start the season [with a win], especially since we have been battling field conditions. The guys really executed well and did what they needed to do to get the victory.”