The Carson-Damonte game came down to who would take advantage of scoring opportunities, and both teams had plenty of those Wednesday night at Ron McNutt Field.
Carson’s pitching trio of Cole Porter, Derek Shafer and Jordan Anderson allowed just three hits but doled out nine walks and hit three batters. Damonte pitchers walked eight and hit two.
The difference was Carson cashed in six times off the free bases while Damonte managed to score just twice in the 10-3 Blue Jays victory.
Carson continues its homestand Friday at home against Spanish Springs and Saturday at home against McQueen. Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m., and both games are slated for nine innings.
“This was the first game since the tournament, and we were a little drained physically and emotionally,” CHS coach Bryan Manoukian said. “We came out an played flat. That’s to be expected.
“That is what summer baseball is all about, getting experience. Cole transferred here from Illinois, and he has some potential. I think he was a little nervous. Derek came in and did a good job. Jordan, once he settled down and threw strikes did a good job. Jordan isn’t a power pitcher. He can’t walk guys.”
Porter worked the first 2 2/3 innings, walking five and striking out two. He seemed to be able to get outs when he needed to. Shafer got the final out of the third inning with the bases loaded, but allowed three unearned runs in the fourth. Anderson worked the final three innings, allowing one hit. He walked three and hit a batter in what was his longest stint of the year. He was credited with the win.
Damonte stranded 14 runners in the game, leaving runners in scoring position in the first, second, third and fifth innings.
Damonte was a senior laden team this year, and its inexperience showed at the plate.
Carson scored twice in the first off Hunter Dunithan.
Connor Pradere singled and stole second and third. Cody Azevedo walked and stole second. Jace Keema bounced a ball to third, and Weston Lord-Parks bounced his throw home, allowing Pradere to score. Bryce Moyle’s infield out scored Azevedo.
The Blue Jays scored three in the third to take a 5-0 lead. The big blow in the inning was a two-run double down the line in right by Abel Carter. The other run scored on a wild pitch.
“If there was a big hit in the game that was it,” Manoukian said. “That broke the game open and gave us a cushion.”
After Damonte scored its three unearned runs off Shafer, Carson scored five off Andrew Hershbach for a 10-3 lead.
John Holton and Pradere had run-scoring hits. Moyle had a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch also scored a run.
“They got the three and we were able to answer,” Manoukian. “That was big.”
Carson played without standout Kyle Krebs who suffered a wrist injury during a summer basketball tournament. He’s expected to miss possiblly two weeks.
