New Kent reels off nine runs in first two innings to advance to Class 3A state baseball semifinals

Lane Boyette’s hot start on the mound provided New Kent a boost in their quarterfinal contest against Goochland.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Trojans did not let the spotlight get to them as they hosted the first round of the Class 3A State quarterfinal baseball contest on June 9.

New Kent jumped out early and held on to defeat the visiting Goochland Bulldogs 12-5 to advance to the Class 3A state semifinals in Abingdon.

In the bottom of the first inning, New Kent wasted little time pushing runs across the plate as a half-dozen runners scored. The Trojans added three more in the bottom of the second as they held a 9-0 advantage.

Goochland made the contest a little closer as Trojan pitcher Lane Boyette surrendered a grand slam, cutting New Kent’s lead down to five (9-4). But New Kent responded in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Austin Uzzle’s blast over the left field fence added three more Trojan runs. In the top of the seventh, Tucker Powell successfully closed out the contest for the home team, sealing the victory.

After the game, New Kent Head Coach Trevor Ronan spoke about the team’s hot start in the game.

“Lane (Boyette) came out and pitched a great game,” the head coach said. “This was the most pitches he had in a while, and I am proud of his effort.

“We have to get back to work and get ready for this weekend,” Ronan added. “The job is not finished and that is what I have been telling the guys; this job is not finished, and we have two more to go.”