CLARKSVILLE , TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Fort Campbell baseball traveled to Northwest High to take on the Vikings during their Senior Night on Friday. As the season winds down, each team looked for a win to build momentum moving forward.
The Falcons entered the matchup looking to put an end to seven consecutive losses, while the Vikings came in riding a three-game winning streak. At the end of the day, Northwest and their offensive outpour silenced Fort Campbell in only three innings of play. The Vikings shut out the Falcons 15-0, and patience played a huge part in their success.
After a 1-2-3 inning and Garrett Roberts reaching on an error, Northwest worked four consecutive walks to score the first run of the ball game. This would be the first of nine runs in the inning altogether.
The Vikings ultimately batted around their lineup and Roberts came to the plate once again. At this point in the game, the score was already 6-0. The Northwest leadoff hitter ended up putting the exclamation point on the inning though. Roberts hit a three run inside the park home run for the team’s final run in the first inning.
“Patience in the box is key when hitting, and it definitely plays a part in our team’s recent success,” said Northwest head coach Chris Benne. “Anytime you come into a game where your offense is facing a left handed pitcher, a team has to stay disciplined. Our guys executed the game plan, which will be a important as we move closer to district play.”
Northwest reached 15 total runs on the night after a trio of singles, three walks and a triple in the final inning. Even though the game was shortened, Northwest starting pitcher Tyler Phillips threw a no-hitter through three innings of action. His ability to strike batters out was on full display as he fanned six during his start.
Post game
Following their win, Benne detailed what his seniors’ overall impact on and off the field has meant to his program.
“Our senior class is led by AJ Harris and Garrett Roberts, two players who are everyday starters for the team. When the season concludes, these guys will be mentioned in discussion for the all-region and all-district teams.
“The program also revolves around Coleton Montjoy and Noah Weber. These seniors encompass the team, and they are plugged in when needed. This has allowed underclassmen to grow underneath them, and they have accepted their roles within the organization. Their overall impact on the players surrounding them is what makes the pair so special. Our program would not be what it is today without our seniors, so I am very thankful for our time together.”
Benne also credited team manager Sarah Black for all of her hard work throughout her four years at Northwest. He spoke highly of how proactive Black had been since coming onto the team. Black comes from a family of Northwest managers.
Northwest winning pitcher: Tyler Phillips – 3 innings pitched, 6 strikeouts, 0 hits, 0 earned runs and 1 walk allowed
Fort Campbell losing pitcher: Ethan Egner – 2 innings pitched, 1 strikeout, 7 hits, 13 earned runs and 12 walks allowed
Northwest hitting leaders: Garrett Roberts – 1 for 3, 1 home run, 3 RBI’s, 2 runs scored and 1 stolen base; AJ Harris – 1 for 1, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored and 2 walks; Cade Steiner – 2 for 2, 2 runs scored and 1 stolen base; Nathan McEwen-Geise – 1 for 1 and 3 RBI’s; David Ludlow – 1 for 1, 1 RBI and 1 run scored; Noah Weber- 0 for 0, 2 RBI’s, 1 run scored and 3 walks