By John Goolsby, For the Tribune
Clay – Avery Prichard helped lead the Shades Valley Mounties (2-2) past the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (0-4) 21-3 Tuesday night.
Micah Thomas
(Photo by Bridget Huston)
Prichard, who had seven RBIs, drove in runs on a double and a homer in the fifth inning went three for four at the plate.
The Mountie bats came alive with 16 hits against the Cougars. The Valley offense had been lethargic, managing only 17 hits in their previous three games. Along with Prichard, Jacob Mahand, Jacaryous Burrow, Ty Tippettt, and J’Caius Moore had multiple hits.
Valley put four runs on the board in the first inning and then exploded for nine runs in the second.
Stephen Manley got the start and win for the Mounties. Manley gave up three runs on only four hits in his five innings of work. The lefty kept the Cougars off balance all night, throwing 50 strikes in 77 pitches, and sat eight Cougars down with strikeouts.
OJ Jones started on the mound for Clay-Chalkville. Jones exited early in the second inning after giving up six hits and ten runs to the visiting Mounties. Jones had one strike out before heading to the dugout. Jaden White and Jay Sexton gave up ten hits and eleven runs in relief of Jones.
Mahand led the Mounties with four hits in his five trips to the plate and knocked in four RBIs.
Shades Valley coach Darryl Dunbar was happy with his team’s performance. “We pray together, play together and win together,” the first year Mountie coach said.
Sexton led Clay-Chalkville with two hits.
The Mounties face Lanier Thursday night in their home opener while the Cougars host Corner.
