Charles Henderson uses big third inning to knock off Opp

Published 10:27 pm Friday, March 14, 2014

Charles Henderson plated six runs in the bottom of the third inning to power past the Opp Bobcats 10-5 Friday afternoon at Riddle-Pace Field in Troy.

The Trojans (14-4) pounded out five hits in the stanza, including doubles from Austin Ingram and Hunter Baggett.

Baggett’s two-base shot to left field brought home the final two runs of the big third inning.

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Charles Henderson head coach Derek Irons said the entire lineup contributed to the big inning.

“Big innings have to start with getting guys on base, and John (Johnson) did that with walk to lead things off,” said Irons. “Austin brought him in, and then the bottom of the lineup just got really hot. We hit the ball well today, and I am glad we did.”

Irons felt the Trojans’ defense was shaky at times, but said he could deal with it as long as the bats stayed hot.

“You got to have one of the two, said Irons. “Our defense wasn’t the best today, but that’s OK when you score ten runs. You can afford to give up one here or there. If the sticks aren’t working, the defense has to be on.”

Chase Hartley and Chase Smartt led the Trojans at the plate, both going 2-for-3. Hartley had two RBIs, while Smartt roped two doubles.

Ingram got the win on the bump, throwing five-and-two-thirds innings and striking out three.

As of press time, Charles Henderson was playing 5A Muscle Shoals.

The Trojans will play two games on Saturday, one against 6A McGill-Toolen Catholic High School at Frazier Field and one against the Wicksburg Panthers at Riddle-Pace Field.

“We just have to take it one pitch at a time and one game at a time,” Irons said. “We are going to see some really good baseball teams on Saturday. This is what we signed up to do, so we are going to play baseball. We are going to try to get better tomorrow and come away with a couple of wins.”

Charles Henderson plays McGill-Toolen at 11 a.m. and Wicksburg at 4 p.m.