JEFF NEAL
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Blackman’s Andrew Monson celebrates a lead-off home run over the center field fence with his teammates against Blackman during their game against Oakland on March 31. JIM DAVIS
Blackman starting pitcher Andrew Monson hit the third pitch he saw in the opening inning over the centerfield wall, then began throwing six innings, 92 pitches walking one and striking out eight to get the win over Oakland 6-2 at Mack Hawks Field on March 30th.
For Blackman, it has won eight straight and is 12-5 on the year. Oakland is now 5-11.
Both teams will begin district play next week. Blackman will play La Vergne and Oakland will take on Siegel each for three-game series.
“I was looking for something that I could hit hard, and barrel up and I got my pitch,” Monson said of his leadoff homerun.
Rett Hayes came in and closed it out for the Blaze, throwing nine pitches with eight of them finding the zone. He got Bronson Greever to pop out to first ending the game.
Blackman added another in the second when John Beard hit one over the wall, and Cole Howard doubled scoring to score pinch runner Cade Ashcroft from first base to put the Blaze up 3-0.
Oakland starter Lane Veron threw into the sixth inning, giving up five runs and six hits. He struck out seven and walked three and hit two batters in 92 pitches.
Relievers Josh Eilers went one-and a third innings striking out two and walking three on 34 pitches, and Nathan Morter threw 13 pitches and struck out Monson to end the final at bat for Blackman.
Blackman added another in the third on a sacrifice fly by Jacob Adamson that plated Maxwell Wilcox, who reached on an error.
Oakland scored a pair in the fourth on a double by Colton Bradbender that scored Asher Evans and Andrew Carver.
“Good hitters are going to hit good pitches,” Oakland coach Mack Hawks said. “(Lane) Veron pitched well. We just need more consistency up and down our lineup.
“The top of our order is good but we don’t get enough production from the middle and bottom of our lineup.”
Blackman’s Cade Ashcraft slides across home plate to score from first base on a double by Cole Howard during their game against Oakland on March 31. JIM DAVIS
Blackman’s Mac Bolding slides safely into second on a steal with Oakland’s Colton Brabender covering the bag during their game against Oakland on March 31. JIM DAVIS
Oakland’s right fielder Christian McCrary bobbles a fly ball allowing the Blackman batter to reach first base safely during their game against Oakland on March 31. JIM DAVIS
Oakland’s Asher Evans handles a bad hop on a ground ball by the Blackman batter and makes a throw to first base for the out during their game against Oakland on March 31. JIM DAVIS