Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — When a player strikes out on three pitches, the old saying is “good morning, good afternoon, good night.”

On Friday, it was more like “good morning, good afternoon, good McKnight.”

Coal Grove’s Chase McKnight struck out 17 batters — six on three pitches and eight on four pitches — as the Hornets beat the Fairland Dragons 4-1 in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

“That was as impressive of a pitching performance as you’ll ever want to see. He found his rhythm and he was throwing very smooth,” said Hornets’ coach Dean Mader.

McKnight allowed just two hits — both singles to Trace Adkins — and walked only one in going the distance.

Coal Grove (9-9) had 11 hits with Isaac Howard and Jacob Clark each going 2-4.

Fairland got its run in the first inning when Adkins singled, stole second and third and Collin Damron squeezed him home.

Coal Grove tied the game in the third on a walk to Cole Gannon, a stolen base and Clark’s base hit.

The Hornets then got three runs in the fourth inning that settled the outcome.

Jeb Jones doubled, moved up on a passed ball and scored when Howard reached on a fielder’s choice.

Darin Bloomfield walked and Sam Angelo, McKnight and Clark all followed with base hits.

“We were 3-8 and now we’re 9-9, so we’re playing well at the right time,” said Mader.

Coal Grove plays at Wellston and Fairland hosts River Valley on Wednesday in the sectional tournament.

Coal Grove 001 300 0 = 4 11 0

Fairland 100 000 0 = 1 2 1

Chase McKnight and Jeb Jones. Collin Damron, Tyler George (4) and Eli Bowen. W-McKnight (K-17, BB-1). L-George (IP-4), R-3, ER-3, H-8, K-5, BB-3). Damron (IP-3, R-1, H-3 K-4, BB-1). Hitting-CG: Chase McKnight 1-4, Jacob Clark 2-4, Daniel Rutherford 1-4, Jeb Jones 1-3 2B, Dylan Malone 1-3, Isaac Howard 2-4, Sam Angelo 1-3, Cole Gannon 1-2; FHS: Trace Adkins 2-3.