Shane Gardner collected three hits and drove in three runs to help power East Knox past Mt. Gilead 14-3 on Friday.
Gardner went 3-for-4 at the plate, singling in the first and second innings and capping a 10-run second with a two-run double. East Knox used that explosive frame to break open the game, with eight different players contributing offensively.
Caden Ridenour, Jaxon Lester, Cash Cook and Dakota Cooper each delivered RBI singles in the second. Gavin Kidwell and Zayne Grennell drew bases-loaded walks, and Gardner singled earlier in the inning to drive in a run.
The Bulldogs struck early, plating three runs in the first on Lester’s RBI double and Cook’s two-run groundout.
Ridenour earned the win, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked four. Mt. Gilead starter Baker lasted 1 1/3 innings, giving up eight runs on six hits.
East Knox totaled 10 hits. Ridenour and Lester joined Gardner with multi-hit games. Luke Holsinger drew three of the Bulldogs’ eight walks. The team played error-free defense, with Lester recording five plays.
Cole Fricke led Mt. Gilead with two hits and an RBI. Hayden Somerlot drove in one and stole two bases.
East Knox visits Danville on Monday.
