Patriots score 54 runs in four victories
The bats were hot, and in turn, runners were crossing the plate abundantly for Marshall Academy last week.
Coach Bruce Branch’s Patriots scored 54 runs on 41 hits in wins over Rossville Christian Academy (Tenn.), Tunica Academy, Winona Christian School and Memphis-Area Home Education Association.
MA upped its early season record to 7-1.
The Patriots put the Rossville Wolves away early Monday, March 1, at home as they scored 12 runs in the bottom of the first and went on to win 14-1.
MA had 10 hits. Leading the way was Hunter Peeks with two hits and a run-battedin. Devin Sanders tripled and drove in three runs. Jordan Bonds and Jackson Graves each had a double and two RBIs.
Walker Sanders threw four innings of no-hit baseball and got the win. He struck out 10. Hayden Lundine tossed one inning of relief.
The Patriots used a big third inning the next day, March 2, to rout Tunica Academy 13-3 at home.
MA scored eight of its runs in the third.
W. Sanders led an eight-hit Marshall attack with two hits, one of those a triple, and three RBIs. Jamie Graves drove in a pair of runs.
Colton Neal and Colton Atherton each added a double.
Peeks was the winning pitcher. He threw four innings, gave up just one hit and fanned 11. Bonds tossed one inning in relief.
Friday at home, Marshall Academy’s bats stayed hot on a chilly evening as the Patriots blasted Winona Christian 13-0.
Houston’s triple scored two of MA’s three runs in the bottom of the first. Jack Smith drove in the other run on a fielder’s choice.
In the second, with bases loaded, Bonds doubled to centerfield and three runs scored. Neal followed with a two-run homer over the left field fence.
It was 8-0. Jamie Graves singled up the middle for an RBI in the bottom of the third. Bonds had a single and two RBIs. Smith later singled and drove in a pair of runs. The Patriots finished with eight hits. Bonds had two of those and five RBIs. Jackson Graves was in total control from the mound. He tossed a one-hitter versus the Stars. He struck out eight and walked three. An eight-run second inning powered the Patriots to a 14-2 home victory over MHEA Saturday afternoon. Neal opened the second with a double. Smith, D. Sanders, Jamie Graves and Atherton all singled. W. Sanders doubled, and then Landon Houston tripled. MA added three in the third and three in the fourth to end the game early.
Marshall connected for 15 hits. Atherton had three hits and two RBIs, W. Sanders, Houston and Smith each had two hits and two RBIs. Smith drilled a leadoff homer over the left field fence in the bottom of the fourth.
Also getting two hits each were D. Sanders and Jamie Graves.
Peeks threw the entire four innings and picked up the mound win. He struck out six, walked one and gave up six hits.
MA traveled to Pillow Academy on Tuesday of this week. They visit Winona Christian Thursday at 6 p.m.
Next Monday through Wednesday, during spring break, the Patriots will play in the Battle of the Beach Tournament at Biloxi. They face Northpoint Christian School Monday a 5 p.m., Theodore (Ala.) Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. And Ocean Springs Wednesday at 5 p.m.