By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Although Watauga got the bases loaded with nobody out in the second inning on April 18, the Pioneers could only push across one run before Alexander Central’s starting pitcher, junior Maddox Jack, was able to wriggle out of the inning. Jack went on to pitch five strong innings for the Cougars, giving up one run on two hits and one error while walking four and striking out five.
Meanwhile, ACHS put together an offensive attack that took advantage of consecutive errors by the Pioneers and featured a steal of home by the Cougars’ Chapman Hayes in the top of the fourth inning. Mishaps kept coming for the home side in the top of the fifth inning. After smacking a double to the centerfield fence to open the frame and advancing to third base on a ground out, Jaret Hoppes was able to steal home on a wild pitch by Watauga starting pitcher, J.T. Cook. A walk and three consecutive singles followed and the Cougars closed out the top of the 5th inning sporting a 7-1 lead, then picked up two more runs in the top of the sixth.
Jack was credited as the winning pitcher, Cook was marked down for the loss. Cougar senior Caleb Williams got the save.
With the win, Alexander Central took firm control of first place in the Northwestern Conference standings, remaining undefeated in league play at 7-0 (16-4 overall). Watauga (5-2, 13-5) is in second, ahead of third place South Caldwell (4-3, 12-7).
Watauga travels to Hibriten on April 21, while ACHS has two consecutive home games coming up, West Rowan on April 19 in non-conference action, then returning to league play in a home game vs. South Caldwell on April 21.
