Box Score Bats Remain Hot in 14-0 Win
MARYVILLE – Maryville shut out SUNY Oneonta 14-0 to claim their second victory over the Red Dragons in as many days.
The Scots had 20 hits in the game, the most since March 1, 2020, and made no errors while holding SUNY Oneonta to just three hits and allowing no runs. MC has scored double-digit runs in consecutive games for the first time since March 2020.
"The biggest thing is that we are believing in each other," said Maryville head coach Clint Helton. "We have each other's backs and know that if one guy doesn't get it done the next has to. Once someone gets confident it spreads to their teammates."
Two three-run innings got the contest started for the home team. Zac Graham had two RBI in the first on a single to first base and Jimmy Meredith added the other run in the bottom of the first on a single to right field. Graham also brought two runs home in the second on an RBI homer that traveled over the fence and cleared the visiting football team bleachers.
Graham had a career-high five hits in six trips to the plate. He added five RBI and scored three runs. Coach Helton says the sophomore is doing what he's in the game to do.
"Zac Graham is seeing the ball well now," said Helton. "He is not an all-or-nothing hitter. He puts the ball in play and creates RBI opportunities. That power in the lineup helps."
Three Scots hit doubles in Graham, Christian Carlton, and Peyton Milam, while Nelson Smith added a triple.
Jimmy Meredith went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with three RBI. He was followed by Smith who had one RBI on 3-for-5 hitting and also scored three runs.
Austin Suttle got the start and the win for Maryville on the mound. He pitched five innings allowing only two hits and no runs over 60 pitches. Three more pitchers saw time for the Scots with none allowing any runs. Garrett Gleason and Jose Rodriguez pitched one inning each to close out the contest and did not allow any hits or runs.
Suttle got high praise from his coach after his performance.
"Suttle came up big today," said Helton. "He has had some back and forth games so I was impressed with his maturity today. Being able to bounce back after a tough start is difficult, especially for a young player. He came back and was in the zone."
Maryville takes on Transylvania tomorrow in Richmond, Ky. for a midweek night tilt. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Scots, who now sit at 9-4, conclude the week with a three-game series starting Friday at Brevard to open USA South play.
"I am proud of this team for working as a group," concluded Helton. "They trust and play for each other and we have been seeing the positive outcome of that. I like where we're at going into conference play."
