Ezra Kurek delivered an impressive performance, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, as Mount Vernon surged for 10 runs in the fifth inning to secure a 16-6 victory over Licking Heights on Monday.
According to the game summary, Kurek doubled in both the first and fifth innings and added singles in the second and fourth. His double in the fifth inning drove in two runs, breaking open a game that was tied at 6-6 entering the bottom of the frame. Mount Vernon initiated scoring in the second inning with a single by Isaiah Columber. Licking Heights responded in the third with hits from Tino Martin, Brady Pennington, and Grady Stephens to tie the game at three.
The Hornets gained a 6-3 lead in the fourth inning, scoring two runs on an error before Stephens contributed an RBI single. Mount Vernon equalized in their half of the inning through a walk by Carter Castlemen and a single from Nolan Hershberger. The Jackets' fifth-inning rally was bolstered by Kurek’s two-run double, another two-run double from Hershberger, a triple by Zac Clow, and three errors committed by Licking Heights.
Jagger Dohn earned the win for Mount Vernon, allowing nine hits and six runs—three earned—over five innings while striking out eight and walking three. Blake Caldwell took the loss for Licking Heights after surrendering five runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings. Stephens started on the mound for Licking Heights, striking out four and walking three over two innings.
Mount Vernon concluded with 11 hits. Hershberger went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Columber added two hits. Hayden Higgins stole two of Mount Vernon's five bases as part of their defensive efforts that included turning a double play. For Licking Heights, Stephens and Remy Alcorn each had two hits contributing to their total of nine hits in defeat.
Mount Vernon is scheduled to visit Heath on Wednesday.
