By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C — Masterful pitching by Watauga sophomore Everett Gryder, error-free defense, and a hot hitting Pioneer offense… Meshed together, these were the things to produce a run-rule win for Boone’s favorite sons over visiting Hibriten, 10-0, on March 27, the game shortened by the mercy rule to just six innings after Watauga scored their tenth run vs. Gryder’s shutout performance.
Gryder hurled a 3-hitter in the second highly-efficient complete game for Watauga this week following senior Jameson Hodges’ seven-inning win two days earlier, 5-2 over Alexander Central.
“Gryder had a very low pitch count, maybe only 50 pitches in six innings, which is remarkable,” said Pioneer head coach Mike Windish.
Gryder reported after the game that his mix of pitches includes a fastball, change-up and slider.
“But I really have to credit our defense behind me. They made some plays,” said Gryder.
As for the hot Watauga bats, none were hotter than junior shortstop Maddox Greene, who drove in four runs on two hits. He doubled in the second inning to drive in three runs, as well as doubled in the first inning, plating one run. Catcher Cooper Critcher also doubled in the 5-run second inning, driving in one run.
Critcher was 3-for-3 for the night, accounting for almost a third of Watauga’s 11 hits in the six-inning affair. Joining the hit parade was Jameson Hodges, going 2-for-4 on the night.
The Pioneers go on the road for a March 28 tilt at Freedom (Morganton).
TOP PERFORMERS
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- WAT – Everett Gryder: winning pitcher, complete game, allowed only three hits, 3 strikeouts, no walks
- WAT – Maddox Greene: 2-4, 2 runs scored, 4 RBIs, 1 walk, 2B(2)
- WAT – Jameson Hodges: 2-4, 1 run scored, 2 RBIs
- WAT – Jake Henderson: 1-1, 2 runs scored, 3 walks, 2B
- WAT – Cooper Critcher: 3-3, 1 RBI, 2B, 1 walk
- WAT – J T Cook: 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 2B
- WAT – Evan Burroughs: 1-4, 2 runs scored,
