Behind pitching and defense, New Kent emerges with 3-1 victory over Packers

New Kent’s Robert Gentry commands the mound on his way to striking out nine batters in Friday afternoon’s contest.

Noah Kennedy photo

Behind nine strikeouts by hurler Robert Gentry and a strong defensive performance, the Trojans of New Kent were able to fend off a pesky Smithfield Packers team 3-1 in Friday afternoon’s Bay Rivers District contest.

Smithfield had ample opportunities starting in the top of the second. But with runners in scoring position, New Kent forced the visitors into a double play to end the inning. In the bottom of the frame, the Trojans got onto the scoreboard first. A walk was followed by singles from Tyler Warren and Brody Cash. Grayson Hobson stepped up to the play and connected with his bat, driving home two runs to provide the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Smithfield was silent until the fourth inning, getting a run back to cut the deficit in half. New Kent garnered a much-needed insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, with Warren’s solo home run providing additional comfort. New Kent retired the side in the top of the seventh, ending the contest with a win.

The Trojans improve to 15-2 on the season.