Four runs in fifth inning provide Trojans breathing room in regional quarterfinals win

New Kent’s Tyler Warren winds up to throw towards first base to get a runner out.

Noah Kennedy photo

New Kent’s baseball team had to battle in the opening round of their quest to earn a second state championship.

A big fifth inning proved to be the difference maker as New Kent defeated visiting Bay Rivers District rival York’s Falcons 6-1 to earn a spot in the regional semifinals following the May 30 contest.

York struck first on the scoreboard, pushing across a run in the top of the second for a 1-0 lead. It wouldn’t be until the bottom of the third when the Trojans would get on the board. Grayson Hobson and Michael Hetzel each drove in runs, providing the hosts a 2-1 lead by the end of the frame.

Still maintaining the same advantage heading into the bottom of the fifth, Hetzel doubled to get on base. Tyler Warren followed up with a double, bringing home Hetzel to increase the Trojans’ advantage to two (3-1). A bunt and subsequent steal by Ty Staub placed two runners in scoring position for the hosts. Keegan Branch took advantage, smacking a single into the outfield to drive home Warren and Staub and increase New Kent’s lead to 5-1. A fielder’s choice on the next play allowed Branch to touch home plate and add another run to the Trojans’ total. From there, New Kent closed out the game with superb pitching and defense.

New Kent Head Coach Trevor Ronan described his philosophy following the contest.

“You get what you put in,” he said. “We put in the work, and we saw the results. We had to work, but when we do it at practice, it transfers over to the game.”