Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — To borrow a phrase from an airplane pilot ready to start his engine, “Contact.”

The Coal Grove Hornets had 10 hits and struck out just three times as they blanked the Portsmouth Trojans 6-0 on Thursday.

“We were more disciplined at the plate and consequently we were putting ball in play,” said Hornets’ coach Dean Mader.

Jacob Pierce threw a two-hitter with 13 strikeouts and two walks to get the complete game win for the Hornets (7-11).

“Pierce threw as well as he’s thrown all year,” said Mader.

Jesse Rigsby and Cody Pennington each went 2-4 with two runs batted in to lead the Hornets’ contact brigade. Alex Bare was 2-4 with a double.

The game was scoreless until the third inning when the Hornets scored twice.

Bare walked, stole second base and scored on a hit by Rigsby. An error put Rigsby at second and he scored on a hit by Conor Markins.

Bare singled and Rigsby doubled to make it 3-0 in the fourth inning.

The Hornets got three insurance runs in the sixth.

Isaiah Gunther reached on an error, Mason Nance doubled and Rigsby was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Pierce hit a sacrifice fly and Pennington followed with a two-run single.

Coal Grove 002 103 0 = 6 10 2

Portsmouth 000 000 0 = 0 2 4

Jacob Pierce and Jesse Rigsby. Zach Delotell, Alex Grashel (5) and Brody Shoupe. W-Pierce (K-13, BB-2). L-Delotell (K-1, BB-2). Grashel K-2, BB-1. 2B-CG: Alex Bare, Mason Nance, Jesse Rigsby. Hitting-CG: Alex Bare 2-4, Mason Nance 1-4, Jesse Rigsby 2-3 rbi-2, Cody Pennington 2-3 rbi-2, Conor Markins 1-4 rbi, Jacob Pierce rbi, Travis Carey 2-4; Portsmouth: Jacob Albrecht 1-3, Hunter Gibson 1-3.