Kennett baseball downs Greene County Tech

KENNETT – The Indians picked up their third win of a rebound following a four-game losing streak Thursday with a 7-4 victory over Greene County Tech of Paragould, Ar.

“It was a really good win for us,” Kennett coach Aaron New said. “We got a conference win yesterday against Sikeston, and we played one of the worst games we've played all year. But for us to bounce back today against a very good Greene County Tech team and play one of our best games, I'm really proud of our team.”

Kennett racked up seven hits by the end of the game. Tanner Pierce and Trey Gardner each scored two runs while John Poole and Hayden Gilmore each added another.

The Golden Eagles struck first but Kennett matched them and added another to pull ahead at the end of the first inning. Kennett added another in the third, but Greene County Tech scored once in both the fourth and fifth innings to tie 3-3 before Kennett's next at bat.

Luckily for the hosts, the Indian offense went right to work.

Tanner Pierce led off with a double on a fly ball to left field then scored on an error after John Poole grounded out.

Kennett's Trey Gardner heads to first base after a hit in the first inning of Thursday's game against Greene County Tech.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Peyton Branum was walked which brought Trey Gardner home. Matthew Gardner hit a line drive to right field and made it to second base, bringing in Hayden Gilmore and Jackson Morrison, taking the Indians' lead to 7-3.

“I think we're having better at bats up and down the lineup,” New said. “Guys are starting to figure out what our philosophy is and how to execute that. In the past three games, we've come up with big hits when we needed them and they're starting to execute our plan a little bit more.”

Greene County Tech scored once more in the top of the sixth, but quick defensive plays by Kennett in the seventh secured the win.

Kennett tested three pitchers on the mound, but Ashton Williams is credited for the win after pitching for four innings. He threw 93 pitches and 50 strikes for five strikeouts. He allowed five walked batters, three hits and three runs with two errors.

“The pitching has been outstanding like it has all year,” New said. “It was nice to see Ashton Williams, who had a rough couple outings the last couple times, come back and pitch a really nice game. If we continue to get what we got out of him today, it's a good sign for our team.”

Kennett's Ashton Williams throws a pitch against Greene County Tech Thursday, April 13, 2023. Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Peyton Branum relieved him for 2.2 innings and allowed one hit and one run, and Tanner Pierce shut the door at the end of the top of the seventh.

Next, Kennett travels to Dexter (5-4) Saturday to play at 10 a.m. The Indians host Twin Rivers Monday at 4:30 p.m.

“From day to day, baseball is baseball,” New said. “I do know the kids are working hard, they've got good attitudes and they want to get better, and they want to listen to the coaches. When you have a team who does that, you've got a good chance to end up with a successful team at the end.”