Highlanders wallop Wharton
The McLennan Highlanders walloped the Wharton Pioneers 22-8 on the road this afternoon in a non-conference battle. Brady Childress picked up the win in relief for the Highlanders on the mound.
The Highlanders responded with four runs in the top of the third to take the lead. Joe Breaux doubled and Motley drew a walk. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Josh Breaux. Brendan Venter followed with a three-run homer. Chase Sortor then doubled and scored on a double by Cole Haring.
McLennan began to pull away with four runs in the fourth. Roller doubled and Motley walked. Josh Breaux followed with another home run – this time of the three-run variety. Venter also homered.
Wharton's final run came on Robinson's home run in the bottom of the sixth.
"Today was a great day to hit at Wharton. The wind was blowing out to left field, and it's a short porch –310 feet to the line. Thankfully, our hitters really showed up today and swung the bats well. We had six home runs – two home runs apiece for Motley, Josh Breaux and Venter. Our 4-, 5- and 6-hole hitters had big days, and that's what you've got to have on a day like today," head coach Mitch Thompson said. "I'm really proud of those guys."
McLennan 304 453 3 – 22 20 0
Wharton 132 101 0 – 8 11 2
Nick Urbantke, Brady Childress (4), Connor Heffron (6), Josh Breaux (7) and Nic Motley, Nick Thornquist (7). Brandon Bolt, Brandon Johnson (3), Daniel Hecker (4), Ian Nash (5), Garrett Park (6), Brendan Owens (7) and Branson Audette. WP: Childress; LP: Bolt. Leading hitters – McLennan: George Callil (1-3, RBI), Joe Breaux (2-4, 2 2B, RBI), Chris Roller (2-4, 2B, 4 RBI), Nic Motley (2-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI), Josh Breaux (2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Brendan Venter (3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Chase Sortor (2-4, 2B), Cole Haring (3-5, 2 2B, RBI), Nick Thornquist (1-1, RBI) and Ragan Forrest (1-1, RBI); Wharton: Spencer Griffin (2-4, HR, RBI), Enrique Sanchez (2-4, HR, RBI), Tyler Kimball (1-3, HR, RBI), Jared Lira (1-3, 2B), Michael Wetch (1-3, RBI) and Charles Robinson (2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI). Record: McLennan 28-7 (9-3).