Essex blasts off early, cruises over Charles City in Panthers’ home opener

Charles City's Bryan Lewis Jr. snags a baseball deep in the outfield to get the Panthers out of an inning.

Robb Johnson photo

Friday afternoon’s home opening contest for Charles City High School’s baseball team pitted them against one of the top regional teams in the visiting Essex Trojans. And the Trojans showed why they held that position early on.

Home runs by Essex’s Dorain Harris and Kamren Robinson, coupled with errors by the hosting Panthers resulted in a 24-2 loss for Charles City.

Essex jumped out early on the Panthers, reaching double figures in the scoring column before the end of the top of the frame.

It wouldn’t be until the third inning when Charles City would find the scoreboard. Carson Menefee’s double accounted for the only RBIs for the host, driving in Bryan Lewis Jr. and Damian Barnes Jr.

But from there, Essex applied more offensive pressure, digging the hosts into a bigger hole before the game concluded via mercy rule after five innings.

First year Charles City Head Coach Michael Logan commented on the loss.

“Our biggest thing that we need to improve is discipline and the little things,” he commented. “We are a young team, and we made some plays.”

Charles City falls to 0-4 on the year.