Charleston shuts out Meridian

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Chase Worthy drove in four runs and Lane Morrow threw a no-hit, three-inning shutout for Charleston during an 18-0 win over Meridian (Ill.) on Thursday, March 30.

The Bluejays (3-2) had seven different players register a hit and eight different players record an RBI.

“We took advantage of some walks and strung together some hits,” said Charleston coach Michael Minner. “It was good to get everyone in the game and get some positive at-bats. We need to have some success at the plate to get some confidence. We have guys that have the ability.”

Worthy led the team with a 2-for-4 performance with two doubles. He also scored three runs and was walked once. Owen Willis, Bennett Logan, Morrow, Zach Rosson, Bryant Gunn and Will Dixon each had a hit, while Willis (2), Morrow (2), Rosson (2), Gunn (2), Dixon (1), Kingston Lawrence (1) and Logan (1) were responsible for the team’s other RBIs.

“Worthy was aggressive today,” Minner said. “He’s been taking too many pitches and getting himself behind in the count. But today he jumped on some fastballs and attacked pitches in the zone. We need him to continue to drive in runs. He can be a difference maker.”

Morrow finished the game with three strikeouts and walked batters while earning his first win of the season.

“Lane [Morrow] is getting better on the mound,” Minner said. “If he can stay around the strike zone he’ll give us a chance to make plays. His curveball has improved and if he can’t spot it his fastball will be more effective.”

It game marks the Bluejays' fourth straight day of action. Charleston will next play when it hosts Woodland (3-2) on Tuesday, April 4.

“I think we’re starting to build a little confidence and we know we can win,” Minner concluded. “We just have to keep improving and learning. Our goal is to be ready in May. We still have some time to build on the positives we’ve had so far.”

__CHARLESTON 18, MERIDIAN 0, F/3__

Meridian 000 xxx x — 0 0 3

Charleston 4(14)x xxx x 18 8 1

W—Lane Morrow. L—Dillon Patterson. 2B—Charleston: Chase Worthy, Zach Rosson, Morrow. 3B—Charleston: Bennett Logan.