Trojans move into tie for first place in Bay Rivers baseball

New Kent’s Trojans erupted with four first inning runs and turned back York threats thereafter to post a 6-3 baseball win over the Falcons. The triumph enabled the Trojans (12-4, 11-4) to claim a share of first place in the district with Lafayette and Warhill while knocking York out of the top spot picture.

“We got into them early and we just held on,” said winning coach Ronnie Cox after the May 3 encounter. “It sure is easier to get a lead and hold it against a good team rather than having to battle back.

“We’ve moved into a tie for first, and in all areas of the game — pitching, fielding, and hitting — we’ve been playing with confidence,” he said. “All of these things are coming together for them, and I’m real proud of them.”

Dylan Walton’s double along with singles from Jake Countiss, Steven Carpenter, and Kevin Karaffa highlighted the four-run first. York chipped away at the Trojan lead with solo runs in the third and sixth, but the hosts created breathing room with two runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Nick Valentino opened the Trojan sixth with a double down the right field line. Carpenter walked to put two aboard for Trey Cox who drilled the first pitch into the gap in right-center for a two-run single.

Michael Carpenter, who came on in relief of starter Matt Metheny in the sixth, ran into a jam in the seventh, allowing a single and a walk with no outs. Steven Carpenter relieved his brother on the mound, striking out the next batter before issuing a walk to load the bases.

Carpenter fanned Dalton Dye for the second out, but Brandon Harrell singled to drive in York’s third run. With the bases still loaded, Josh Smith lined a pitch to deep center, but Dakota Oxendine had room to make the catch to end the game.