Gammon’s walk-off sends New Kent baseball into winner’s circle

New Kent’s Dillon Mickles (left) throws to first base after stepping on second base to force an out as part of a crucial seventh inning double play for the Trojans.

Robb Johnson photo

As with many defending champions, every team that challenges the previous year’s trophy hoister usually will give it their best shot. The New Kent Trojans’ baseball team, who won the 2023 Group 3A State Championship last year, saw firsthand how that adage is true Friday night.

Despite early rain and dealing with a tied game in the final frame, Nile Gammon’s walk-off RBI single proved to be the difference maker as New Kent defeated the invading Tabb Tigers 3-2 in the Bay Rivers District matchup.

The Trojans were the first to score in the contest, courtesy of Layne Boyette’s RBI single in the bottom of the third inning. But as the home team’s offense stalled, Tabb used small ball to push two runs across the plate in the top of the fifth to take a 2-1 lead.

The Tigers continued to hold that lead in the top of the seventh. With runners in scoring position, a groundball set up a double play with the home team’s Dillon Mickles and Michael Hetzel joining forces, allowing the home team to get out of the inning.

New Kent faced two outs in the bottom of the frame. On a full count, a ball allowed Boyette to walk to first base. Hetzel was the next batter, as he connected a ball to the gap in the outfield, allowing Boyette to circle the bases and tie the game at two apiece.

That’s when Gammon’s heroics arrived for the Trojans. His hit to the outfield allowed Hetzel to turn third and touch home plate, sending Tabb to defeat and allowing New Kent to escape with the victory.

After the contest, New Kent Head Baseball Coach Trevor Ronan spoke about the comeback.

“They kept their heads up and they did the job,” the coach said, complimenting the play of his squad in the pressure situation. “Lane got us started, followed by Michael and Nile finished it off.

“The guys have each other’s back, and it resulted in a win,” Ronan concluded.

New Kent remains undefeated with a record of 2-0.