A four-run second inning proved to be the difference as Heyworth topped Clinton 5-3 in the Maroons season opener on Wednesday afternoon at Clinton High School in non-conference high school baseball action.
The Hornets jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second. With two runners on, Parker Bell reached on a fielder’s choice that saw Caleb Troha score on an error to open the scoring. Carter Brooks then helped his own cause with an RBI single to left, scoring Keegan Gresham.
Braydon Laesch then grounded out to second, allowing Bell to cross the plate. Jackson Law capped the frame with a sharp single to second base, scoring Brooks to give Heyworth a commanding 4-0 lead before they even took the field.
But the Maroons clawed back in the third. Jaxon Reynolds sparked the rally with a single and stole second and third base. Josh Bass drove him in with a single to shortstop to put Clinton on the board.
Later in the frame, with two runners on, Cole Fentress delivered a two-run double to center field, bringing home Ryan Pine and Collin Bostic to cut the deficit to 4-3.
The Hornets added an insurance run in the top of the seventh to push the final margin to 5-3.
Carter Brooks earned the win on the mound, striking out four over three innings of work. Laesch fired four shutout innings of relief. The junior struck out seven and allowed just one hit to secure the victory.
Brooks finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Hornet bats. Law was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Denning and Troha each added a hit.
Jack Manning took the loss, striking out five over five innings of work. Jaeden Bell fanned four and allowed just one run over the final two frames.
Cole Fentress led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Bass finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Reynolds and Manning each added hits for the Maroons.
Heyworth starts the season 1-0. They will travel to Central A&M tomorrow for a non-conference matchup.
Clinton starts the season 0-1. They look to bounce back this Friday when they host Lexington at 4:30 PM.
