RICHMOND — Despite scoring first, a tough day at the plate ended Greenfield-Central’s season Saturday at Don McBride Stadium.
The Cougars struck early but a big second inning from the Pendleton Heights offense allowed the Arabians to grab a 10-4 win in the second Sectional 9 semifinal of the afternoon.
Junior starting pitcher Drey Jameson struck out seven Arabians but allowed a grand slam in the pivotal second inning as Pendleton Heights took a 5-1 lead to shift momentum its way.
Greenfield-Central (10-18), which received two hits each from Jameson and freshman Nick Atwood, managed a three-run fourth frame, but it was not enough as the Arabians (18-10) answered with a combined five runs in the next two innings.
Hitting wasn’t exactly the problem for the Cougars, though, as every starter reached base with seven of them managing at least one base hit. However, both teams produced nine hits in the game, providing the Arabians ability to bring runners home in scoring position.
“Bottom line, we have to score more runs,” Greenfield-Central head coach Robbie Miller said. “We have to get that killer mentality in the box.”
Jake Harris led Pendleton Heights with four RBIs and the aforementioned grand slam while Mitchell Fowler used two triples to finish 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Drew McDowell scored the first run of the game for Greenfield-Central after reaching base on a fielder’s choice and later scoring on Atwood’s sacrifice fly.
Atwood also started the fourth-inning rally, working a single to right field, which was followed by three more Greenfield-Central hits including a two-run RBI double from junior Johnny Davis.
Jameson finished the season leading the team on the mound and at the plate. He totaled 89 strikeouts this year while hitting .358 with 31 hits and six home runs.
Seniors Tate Hall and Tyler Mundell each finished 1-for-3 at the plate in their final contest on Saturday. Classmates McDowell and Chandler Bean also played their last games for the Cougars, who return six starters next season.
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Pendleton Heights 10, Greenfield-Central 4
PHHS (18-10);050;023;0;—;10;9;0
GCHS (8-10);100;300;0;—;4;9;2
WP: Chayce McDermott (6-0). LP: Drey Jameson (2-5)
RBI: Atwood, Hert, Davis 2 (GC). Harris 4, Fowler 2, Lawson 3, Vetor (PH). 2B: Davis (GC). Robertson (PH). 3B: Fowler 2 (PH). HR: Harris (PH).
Notables: Jameson 2-4, Hall 1-3, T. Mundell 1-3, Atwood 2-3 RBI, Davis double two RBI, Hert run and RBI, Farrell 1-3, BB (GC).
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