Trojans use long ball to secure pair of wins

It doesn’t matter when it happens. A home run can be a huge boost to a team.

Tuesday, it proved to be all the Centerburg softball team needed.

Jazmyn Larimore hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning, leading the Trojans to a 1-0 victory over host Danville.

Both teams had opportunities throughout the game, but neither was able to dent the scoreboard, thanks to good pitching and solid defense.

But Larimore changed that with her solo shot in the seventh. Her home run was one of just five hits for the Trojans. Abby Herren added a double and a single, while Sydnee Schoonover and Grace O’Quinn both singled.

Morgan Beaver tossed a five-hitter on the mound for Centerburg. She struck out six and allowed four walks.

On March 25, Centerburg senior Abby Herren destroyed any thoughts Fredericktown had of upsetting the Trojans with one swing of the bat.

Herren, who signed to play softball at Div. I Miami (Ohio) University this fall, belted a home run in her first at bat, sparking the Trojans to a 9-2 victory over the host Freddies.

Herren hit the third pitch of the game over the center field fence. The Trojans got three more hits and two more runs in the top of the first and never looked back. Centerburg added two more in the second and four in the third en route to the victory.

Taylor Bryant led the Trojans with four singles, three runs scored and an RBI. Herren was walked her next four at bats after the home run, scoring three times overall. Jazmyn Larimore had a double and a single, while Grace O’Quinn and Sydnee Schoonover both doubled. Kallie Webb, Jaylen Parker and Kinlie Sharp all singled.

Morgan Beaver started on the mound for CHS, striking out one while allowing five hits in three innings of work. Briley Cline finished up, allowing three hits.

Centerburg dropped its first game of the season on Monday, falling to Danville, 4-1.

Herren led the Trojans with two doubles. Larimore and Schoonover both singled.

Beaver went the distance on the hill, fanning eight while allowing seven hits and four walks.

Baseball

The Centerburg baseball team brought out the big lumber to start the season.

The Trojans pounded out 15 hits in beating Elgin, 15-3, on March 28.

Vinny Morgan and Bradley Baker led the Trojans with three singles each. Baker also drove in two runs. Aiden Trobridge added a single and a double, while Gabe Campos had two singles and drove in three. Clarke Redd, Gavin Snow and Owen Wolford all singled.

Dustin Parker started for Centerburg, striking out three in three innings of work on the mound. Redd worked the next three, fanning two while allowing six hits and two walks, while Kaleb Rauck finished up, fanning two and allowing one hit.

The Trojans followed that up with more offensive firepower, smacking 13 hits in a 17-2 victory over Danville.

Caleb Adams cracked three singles and drove in five runs to lead the Trojans. Trobridge cracked a double, single and drove in two runs. Ryan Long and Campos each had two singles with Long also driving in four runs. Morgan, Baker, Redd and Parker all singled.

Baker picked up the win, throwing all five innings while striking out 13 and allowing just four hits.

The second game between the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference foes proved to be tougher for Centerburg. The Trojans needed a seven-run seventh inning to pin a 9-7 loss on the Devils on March 31.

The Trojans trailed 4-2 heading into the final inning, but erupted for seven runs thanks to four walks and a couple of singles.

Parker led the Trojans with two singles. Morgan, Long and Campos all singled.

Parker started on the hill for CHS, striking out four while allowing four hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. Rauck finished up, fanning three, walking one and giving up three hits.