Nicholas Christian’s 6 RBI leads Hawks past Bulldogs

For the second straight day, the Kelly Hawks scored over 10 runs to win In dominating fashion.

Nicholas Christian had the game of his life at the plate. The junior went 3-for-4 including a home run and triple to lead the Hawks in a 10-1 victory over Notre Dame on Friday.

Christian’s three-run home run in the third inning broke the game open for the Hawks, extending their lead to 4-0.

“I knew that a fastball was coming,” Christian said.

Christian finished the day with six runs batted in. His benches clearing triple highlighted a six-run sixth inning for the Hawks.

“Nick’s bought into his offensive approach,” said Kelly coach Josh Hopkins. “He’s doing a good job of putting together some really good at-bats and taking guys into deep counts to get to the pitch he wants so he can do some damage with it. “So we’re really pleased with his offensive output right now.”

The game was originally scheduled to be played as a home game for Notre Dame. However, due to heavy rain that ran from late Thursday night through Friday morning, the game was moved to Kelly.

Kelly starting pitcher Dalton Forck threw six innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out 11 and walking zero.

“His goal right now is just to get a complete game,” Hopkins said. “Dalton threw a heck of a game today, didn’t get to that complete game like he hoped he would but he was still on. He did a good job of spotting up and making them hit the pitch he wanted him to hit“

Christian closed out the game in the seventh inning. The Bulldogs had the bases loaded with two outs. Christian got Cole Lemons to ground into the shortstop for the final out.

“As far as on the mound, he wasn’t at his best today,” Hopkins said of Christian, “but he still was able to get through it even though it was a stressful inning. He’s usually 1-2-3 k’s and we’re out of that inning, but he didn’t have it today. So he trusted his defense and allowed soft contact and gave us opportunities to get out of that inning.”

TJ Bolen started the game for the Bulldogs, allowing four runs on five hits with three strikeouts over three innings. Reid Morgan finished the game in relief.

Will Dodson was the only Bulldog to knock in multiple hits. He also scored their only run on an RBI double by Brycen Clark in the sixth inning.

The Hawks tallied 12 hits in the game. Christian, Reece Eftink, Jett Hull, and Drew Klipfel each managed multiple hits. Michael Dollins, Colton Essner, and Mason Eubanks drove in the other runs for Kelly.

Kelly will compete in the Notre Dame Showcase on Saturday against Triad at Capaha Field at 12:15 p.m.

Notre Dame will host Helias Catholic at 2:30 p.m. and Dexter at 5 p.m. at Capaha Field on Saturday.