Hayden Hunt tossed a no-hitter and the University Heights Academy Blazers completed the season sweep of the Hopkinsville Tigers with a 5-0 District 8 baseball win Monday night at Chris Simmons Field.
Hunt, who went to the mound with his brother Hensley’s glove, threw less than 100 pitches and struck out 12 Tigers while walking only two. Hensley Hunt, who was a sixth-grader at UHA, passed away unexpectedly last Fall.
Hayden Hunt said he most of his pitches working all night.
UHA would give Hunt all the production he would need in the bottom of the second inning as the Blazers took advantage of three infield hits, a Hoptown error, and a walk to score four runs. Courtland Gibson drove in a run with a fielder’s choice and Josh Pace had a run-scoring single in the frame.
The Blazers added another run in the bottom of the third as Aiden Jones singled and came around to score on a Hoptown error.
The damage could have been worse, but Hoptown third baseman Gavin Mitchell made a great play at third base that turned into a double play to end the inning.
After the third, Hoptown pitcher Gavin Powell kept the Blazers’ bats at bay. Powell pitched an excellent game, only allowing five hits and striking out three. At one point he retired eight UHA batters in a row.
However, the story was Hunt, who was a game-day decision after suffering an ankle injury Friday night in the Blazers’ win over No. 6-ranked South Warren.
UHA coach Scott Gentry said nothing could keep Hunt off the mound on Monday night.
Jones led UHA with a pair of singles and scored two runs.
The victory pushed UHA to 4-1 in the district standings. The Blazers have won seven straight games entering today’s District 8 matchup at Fort Campbell.
Meanwhile, Hopkinsville falls to 10-8 overall and 4-2 in the district. Hoptown is slated to play today at Caldwell County.
Score by Innings:
Hopkinsville 000 000 0 – 0 0 2
University Heights 041 000 x – 5 5 2
WP – Hunt
LP – Powell
Leading Hitters: HHS – None; UHA – Jones (2 1B), Flynn (1B), Finch (1B), Pace (1B).
File Photo