By David Rogers. WEST JEFFERSON, N.C. — Scoring four runs in the top half of the second inning was just a prelude for Watauga on April 4 at Ashe County. The Pioneers exploded for 12 runs in the third inning to race by the host Huskies with a “mercy rule” finish after five innings, 17-2.
The Pioneers’ offensive production came from up and down the lineup on a picture perfect afternoon for baseball. It included a home run by Cooper Riddle and a whopping seven doubles — two doubles by Jacob Dilley and one each from Cooper Critcher, Tristan Salinas, Maddox Greene, Johnny Ray, and J T Cook.
Cook was credited with the win, pitching four strong innings while limiting the Huskies to just one run on four hits, striking out two and walking two. He was backed by solid defense on this night, too, his fielders fashioning some sparkling plays.
Ashe County used four pitchers on the night, collectively giving up 17 runs on 14 hits and four errors.
KEY WATAUGA PERFORMANCES
- Jacob Dilley: 3-4, 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs. 2B (2), stolen base
- J T Cook: 3-3, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 2B, and winning pitcher
- Tristan Salinas: 2-4, 1 run scored, 3 RBIs, 2B
- Maddox Greene: 2-4, 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs, 2B
- Cooper Riddle: 1-4, 1 run scored, 2 RBIs, HR
- Jameson Hodges: 1-2, 3 runs scored, 2 walks
- David Pastusic: 0-3, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk
