Shepherd baseball (22-12) had a dominating performance Tuesday April 17 when they faced off against Virginia State (21-14-1) in Shepherdstown. Head Coach Matt McCarty picked up his 200th win.
In the top of the first inning, pitcher Wes Martin started the game off throwing heat, as all three of V State batters were not able to get on base. The batter was struck out looking and the other two grounded out to second base.
In the bottom of the first sophomore Christian Hamel smacked a home run out of left field bringing home sophomore Brenton Doyle. The Rams would take a 2-0 lead going into the second inning.
During the second inning, Jahleel Sewer would single to left field, which would be the only hit the Trojans got in the second inning, but Sewer would get called out trying to steal second base.
Sophomore Trenton Burgreen hit a line drive to center field and would advance to second base off an error by the Trojans’ center fielder. Junior Nick Atkinson flied out to center field allowing Burgreen to score.
In the bottom of the third junior Eddie Nottingham singled to left field, which got things going as the Rams started the inning off with two quick outs. Senior Chase Hoffman would hit a homerun to left center field with the bases loaded.
The Rams continued their stingy defense in the fourth inning only allowing one hit each inning. Bottom of the fourth Doyle hit a double to right field allowing Atkinson and Sloper to score. Two batters later junior Justin Smith would hit a double to left center field bringing home Doyle. At the end of the fourth inning, the score was 10-0.
In the bottom of the seventh inning Reid Entsminger singled to left and took a risk by advancing to second base on the throw as sophomore Riley Lazich would score unearned. Joe Burrack hit a single up the middle of the field, which allowed Entsminger and Keer to sprint home.
At the top of the ninth inning, the Trojans would hit a few singles to give them their first score of the game. Joshua Heigh hit the ball to deep right center field advancing two runners home.
Shepherd had a total of 15 hits, 13 RBI’s in 44 at bats compared to Virginia State’s eight hits and three RBI’s. Nottingham went 3- for -3 to lead the Rams for the day.
This home victory gave McCarty his 200th career win. McCarty will look to add another victory under his belt when the team travels to West Liberty University Saturday April 21 for a double header.
Justin Cole is a Sports Writer for the Picket, he can be reached at: jcole07@rams.shepherd.edu
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