Kingwood Wins 15th Straight

Beats Sterling in 6 at Home 12-2

9-0 in Conference Play

 

 

Senior lefthander Zack Tumlinson baffled the Baytown hitters through the first three innings striking out 8 of 9 and allowing one hit during those frames.  This allowed his Kingwood offense to go to work.  In the bottom of the first inning Senior lead off hitter Greg Gossett was hit by a pitch.  Gossett advanced on a ground out by Junior second baseman Josh Fountain and scored on a ball misplayed by the Sterling right fielder.  The ball was hit by Junior shortstop Johnny Whittleman, who ended up on second base.  Whittleman was driven in by cleanup hitter Junior Kenneth Negron’s line drive single.   The score after one full inning was Kingwood 2 & Sterling 0.

 

The Mustangs would get more runs in the bottom of the third inning as Whittleman led off with a walk and Negron singled him to second.  Senior catcher Andrew Brooks then singled to load the bases.  Junior first baseman Austin Wood, with the bases loaded, hit a sacrifice fly that scored Whittleman.  Negron and Junior Bruce Williams (who came on as a courtesy runner for Brooks) then executed a double steal of third and second bases respectively.  Senior right fielder Steffen Savarino ripped a line drive double into the corner, driving them both home.  Savarino moved to third on a single by Senior designated hitter Ryan Mize and scored on a fielder’s choice hit by Gossett.  Score after three full innings, Kingwood 6 & Sterling 0.

 

Tumlinson gave up one run in the top of the fourth on two walks.  He was aided by a leaping catch at the fence by Mustang leftfielder Negron.

 

Kingwood replied in the bottom of the fourth.  Whittleman doubled over the centerfielder’s head.  Negron walked.  Brooks singled to drive in Whittleman and Negron scored on a passed ball.  Score after four full innings was Kingwood 8 & Sterling 1.

 

Tumlinson was relieved by Sophomore Ryan Torres in the top of the fifth and with the help of Senior pitcher Jimmy Jordan, they would retire the Rangers with one run.  The score after 4 ½ innings was Mustangs 8 & Sterling 2.

 

Kingwood answered in the bottom of the fifth inning.  With two outs Gossett reached base on an infield hit and went to second base on a wild throw.  Gossett stole third and scored when the catcher’s throw went into left field.  Score after five full innings was Kingwood 9 & Sterling 2.

 

Jordan handled the Rangers three up and three down in the top of the sixth inning setting the table for the Mustangs to end the game under the 10 run mercy rule in the bottom of the sixth inning.

 

With two outs Brooks singled, Williams running for Brooks stole second, Wood walked.  Savarino hit his second line drive double of the game scoring Williams and Wood.  Junior designated hitter A.J. Pendleton then singled home Savarino to end the game.  Final score was Kingwood 12 & Sterling 2. The winning pitcher was Tumlinson, 3-0 in District play and 5-1 overall.

 

 

 

Offensively:

 

Brooks                  3-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs (Williams running), Bruce Williams 3 stolen bases

Savarino                2-4, on base 3-4, 2 doubles, 2 runs, 4 RBI’s

Negron                  2-3, on base 3-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 stolen bases

Whittleman            1-3, on base 3-4, 3 runs, 1 stolen base

Gossett                  1-3, on base 2-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base

Mize                     1-1, on base 2-2

Pendleton              1-2, 1 RBI

Kyle Denney          Junior, walk

Wood                    1 run, 1 RBI