High School baseball: Carson offense finds their stride; crush North Valleys 11-6
Submitted by editor on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 7:48am
After a 2-1 loss vs. North Valleys on April 8, the Carson High Senators returned home to Carson City on Tuesday seeking revenge against the Panthers.
Starting pitchers Ben Nelson for Carson and Clay Perry for North Valleys, faced off on the mound at Ron McNutt Field to make an intriguing matchup. North Valleys got off to an early lead in the top of the first inning, as an RBI double by Perry put the Panthers up 1-0 in a hurry.
The Senator offense responded in the bottom half of the first inning, as third-baseman Abel Carter launched a 3- run home run leaving the Carson crowd on their feet.
The bottom of the batting order made an immediate impact, as second-baseman Jared Barnard and left-fielder Brandon Gagnon each hit in 1 RBI giving the Senators a 5-1 lead to conclude the first inning.
The Panthers also looked to the bullpen early, as Daniel Sieverin took over pitching duties for Perry during the first inning. Nelson kept the North Valleys offense in check during the second and third innings, forcing the Panther bats into easy groundouts and pop flies keeping the score at 5-1 heading into the fourth inning.
The Panther offense found its groove during the fourth inning, as a 2 RBI single by Bradley Cappini cut the Senator lead to just 2 runs. The turmoil continued for Carson, as another 2 RBI single by AJ Dennis tied the game at 5-5 concluding the fourth inning leaving the game up for grasps.
Carson answered back with a 3 hit, 2 run inning of their own, as RBI's by Barnard and designated hitter Kahle Good put the Senators back in the lead 7-5. Derek Schafer, who came in as relief for Nelson during the fourth inning, kept the game in the Senators' control with tremendous pitching in the fifth inning.
A sacrifice RBI from Perry sliced the Carson lead to just 1 run, 7-6 in the sixth inning forcing the Senators to respond. When the game got close, the Senators were at their best, and it prooved once again during the bottom of the sixth inning as Carter added to his stuffed stat sheet with a 2-run home run that left the Carson crowd in awe of his performance. The fireworks continued for them, as Jesse Lopez wacked a 2 RBI single that put the game away.
Colby Zemp closed the seventh inning, and Carson ran away with an 11-6 victory.
After the game Abel Carter talked about his approach at the plate.
"I was just trying to make contact with good, smooth swings. I just happened to hit it over the fence, hopefully I can carry this performance into next game," said Carter.
Jared Barnard also reflected on the impact of this win.
"A lot of people hit very well today, and that is good for everybody. This should be a big confidence booster facing McQueen tomorrow," said Barnard.
Ben Nelson had a solid outing on the mound, pitching a full 3 innings with 2 strikeouts. Giving up 5 earned runs on 8 hits and 5 walks.
Jesse Lopez finished 1 for 4 with a single and 2 RBI's. Abel Carter had quite the performance, finishing 3 for 5 with a single and 2 home runs that drove in 5 RBI's.
Jared Barnard finished 2 for 3 with a double, single, and 2 RBI's. Kahle Good and Brandon Gagnon each had 1 RBI. The Senators will look to carry momentum into next game against McQueen Wednesday, April 12, at 6 p.m.
