By David Rogers. ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Visiting Watauga leveraged stolen bases by Evan Burroughs and Hank Matthews, along with rapping 12 hits to score seven runs to defeat A C Reynolds, 7-4, in the Pioneers’ season opener on Feb. 27.
Starting with a 2-run first, Watauga plated runs in all but two of the seven-inning non-conference game to get things started for 2024. Still without multi-sport athletes still in the state basketball playoffs, the Pioneers fielded six sophomores, three seniors and two juniors against the Rockets.
The Pioneers sent three pitchers to the mound, David Pastusic (W), Burroughs and Everett Gryder. Combined, they gave up four runs on four hits, striking out eight and walking seven.
Top Hitting Performers
- Cooper Critcher: 2-4
- Evan Burroughs: 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, SB
- Hank Matthews: 1-2, 2 runs scored
- Jake Blanton: 2-3, 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 2B
- Jameson Hodges: 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
- JT Cook: 2-4, 2 RBIs
