By David Rogers. MILLER’S CREEK, N.C. — Watauga senior pitcher Jake Blanton cruised through five and two-thirds innings on Feb. 27, giving up one run on three hits while striking out 10 batters in the Pioneers’ 8-1 season opening win at West Wilkes.
Luke Rothrock was effective as the closer, pitching one and a third innings, giving up just one hit and no runs.
Offensively, senior centerfielder Jake Blanton went 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a pair of singles, scoring three runs while driving in another. He added three stolen bases to augment his stat line for the evening.
All told, Blanton was one of five Pioneers credited with poaching bases. The quintet also included Kwame Carter, Evan Burroughs, Easton Burns and Jack Bridgeman.
For West Wilkes, sophomore catcher Carson Snider went 1-2, scoring a run and walking once. He was knocked in by sophomore shortstop Cohen Taylor, who went 1-3 on the night.
Key Performers
- Daniel Jones
- Pitching: 5.2 innings, 1 run on 3 hits
- Batting: 1-2, 1 RBI, 2 walks
- Jake Blanton: 3-4, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 2B, 3 stolen bases
- Kwame Carter: 2-2, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 1 stolen base, 2B
- J J Everett: 3-5, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI
- Jack Bridgeman: 1-3, 2 RBIs, 1 stolen base
