By Ryan McCollough

After finding runs hard to come by earlier in the week, the Charles Henderson Trojans romped past Eufaula 15-5 and 13-5 Saturday afternoon in a doubleheader.

In the first game, the Trojans (12-4, 2-0) got the bats hot early on in the game, putting up three runs in the top of the first. The home-standing Tigers responded in their half of the first inning, scoring five runs of their own. Charles Henderson head coach Derek Irons said after the game that his team has to cut down on mistakes that allow teams back in the game.

“We preach defensively not to give up freebies,” said Irons. “I believe we gave up six freebies in the first, and that’s what gave them their big inning. We didn’t do a very good job of making them earn it today.”

Charles Henderson pounded out thirteen hits with the most memorable one coming in the second inning. Following singles by Austin Adler, Gregory Barnett and a walk by Michael Fox, Jalin Lawson came to the plate. Lawson found his pitch, turned on it, and drove it deep and over the fence in left field in to the oak trees for a grand slam that broke the game open.

Every Trojan had at least one hit, except leftfielder Michael Thomas. Thomas went to plate three times but his at bats resulted in a walk, being hit by a pitch, and a fielder’s choice; none of which count as an official at bat.

Of the Trojans 13 hits, many of them came in the form of bunts.

“Our offensive philosophy is to put pressure on the defense,” said Irons. “And a great way to that is to bunt. Our guys did a great job of getting good bunts down. After we set the table, the other guys did a good job of knocking the runs in.”

Tripp Blackmon had an up and down day on the mound, but in the end came away with a complete game win.

Eufaula was able to score five runs, but only one of those was charged to Blackmon as an earned run. Blackmon gave up only four hits on the day, none after the second inning.

“Tripp did a great job of settling in, and not getting rattled,” said Irons.”

On offense Charles Henderson was lead by the top of the order- Gregory Barnette, Michael Fox and Jalin Lawson. The Trojan trio went a combined 8-9 with eight RBI and nine runs scored.

The Trojans swept Eufaula on Saturday, winning the second game of the day, 13-5.

Chase Smartt was 4-for-5 in the game. Joey Denison was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Tripp Blackmon finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles while Austin Adler was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

 

The wins over the Tigers givesCHHS a leg up in the region race.

“We are competitors and want to compete every game,” said Irons. “Our goal is to make the playoffs and we took some big steps towards that goal in the last two days.”