Knox Babe Ruth league action saw lots of lightning and bats thundering at Mount Vernon's Memorial Park. Griffin Insurance topped Kiwanis, 24-12, and Elks struck later to beat Rotary, 7-5
Griffin Insurance 24, Kiwanis 12
It was an offensive explosion for both teams Monday, with Griffin Insurance coming out on top with a 24-12 win.
Griffin Insurance had huge first and fourth innings, going up 14-2 after the opening frame. Kiwanis scored five runs and Griffin added two more in the second to make it 16-7, and Kiwanis added four runs in the third, with Griffin adding two more in their half to make it an 18-11 ballgame entering the fourth inning. Griffin Insurance lit up the scoreboard with six insurance runs in the fourth, and Kiwanis managed only one run, ending the game.
Griffin had 17 hits in the game, highlighted by a 3-for-4 day by Noah Crowthers, who scored three times, knocked in three runs, had a steal and walked once. Tobias Burt had a 2-for-3 day with a double, two RBIs and two runs. Trenton Beaven, Aiden Kegley and Bryce Kreger all had three hits in the game as well, with Kreger hitting a triple.
Kiwanis had eight hits in the game. Cameron Hill had a solid day at the plate going 1-for-1 with a double, three runs scored, two walks and an RBI.
Elks knock off Rotary, 7-5
The Elks and Rotary had a battle to the end with both teams scoring late in the game after a pitching duel, but the Elks managed to score three runs in the seventh to win 7-5.
The Elks got on the board first with a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Rotary tied the game 1-1 in the third. The Elks then scored a run in the fifth and a two runs in the sixth to go up 4-1, but in the bottom of the sixth, Rotary took the lead, 5-4. The Elks scored three runs in the seventh and were able to hold Rotary scoreless in the final frame to hold on for the comeback win.
Draven Elliott was the winning pitcher, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs and striking out six batters while walking only one. He allowed only five hits on the day.
The offense for the Elks was led by Zach Clow, who had a 2-for-4 day with two RBIs and two runs. Elliott also went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Skylar Lawrence went 2-for-3 and scored three runs out of the lead-off spot.
Rotary was led by Coen Armstrong’s 2-for-4 showing with an RBI. Carson Meyer had three RBIs in a 1-for-3 day. Starting pitcher Preston Hempfield pitched well with 6 2/3 innings and only three earned runs allowed while allowing six hits, three walks and striking out one batter.
SIDE BAR or PICTURE AND CUTLINE
Storm damages dugouts and bleachers
On Monday night, the Mount Vernon Babe Ruth field at Memorial Park on Mount Vernon Avenue was hit with a severe storm that ripped up bleachers and damaged structures, fences and dugouts. Knox Babe Ruth League secretary and concessions manager Tabitha Braxton said there was no estimate on cost of repairing the damages, but the community support has been impressive. "The action of support from the city, the parents and players has been outstanding and is deeply appreciated."
