Blythewood’s Jacob Davis (9) slides into second Tuesday under the tag of Westwood’s T.J. White. (Photo/Kristy Kimball Massey)
BLYTHEWOOD (April 6, 2016) – Westwood’s afternoon at the Blythewood baseball stadium wasn’t as strong as head coach Jonathan Burroughs wanted Tuesday.
Starting pitcher Matthew Oxendine never found his strike zone, and the three other Redhawk relievers couldn’t stop the bleeding in a 5-inning mercy rule, 12-0 loss to the Bengals.
“We just didn’t pitch well today,” Burroughs said. “We hit six batters, bunch of walks, we gave them nine freebies. We’ve got to put it behind us. The region is still open.”
The Redhawks (8-7 overall, 1-4 in Region IV-4A) gave up seven hits, but four pitchers hit six batters, walked three more, and the defense committed two errors.
Blythewood (8-6, 4-1) cashed in thoroughly.
The Bengals got a run in the first when Jordyn Adams singled with one out and Aiden Massey hit the first of his two doubles to drive him in. Todd Mattox and Toby Robson ended the inning on a fielder’s choice and a flyout.
After a scoreless second, Blythewood made the most of Westwood mistakes in the third and fourth innings.
The Bengals got five runs on just three hits in the third inning, thanks to three hit batters, two walks and a balk.
With Blythewood up 6-0 going into the fourth, the Bengals sent 12 men to the plate for six runs on just three hits. Westwood pitchers hit three more batters, walked one and committed two errors.
“They made a few mistakes and we capitalized on it,” Blythewood head coach Barry Mizzell said. “We made good on mistakes, got some hits, Justin (Greider) threw well, our kids kept playing and got some big hits to extend the lead a little bit.”
Besides Massey’s two doubles, Adams tripled and had two hits. Robson also had two hits.
Starting pitcher Justin Greider silenced the Westwood bats in four innings, giving up two hits and striking out six.
Blythewood travels to White Knoll Wednesday for a non-region game and is at region rival Dutch Fork Friday.
Westwood plays host to Ridge View Friday and is at Irmo Saturday.
WHS: 0-0-0 0-0 – 0-2-2
BHS: 1-0-5 6-x – 12-6-1
W: Matthew Oxendine (L), Zane Badmaev (3), Lamar Gregory (4), Branden May (4), and Elijah Heatley. B: Justin Greider (W), Josh Cowan (5), and Ryan Bland. 2B – W: Deuntrey Gallman. B: Aiden Massey (2). 3B – Jordyn Adams. LOB – W 3. B 7.
