CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kenwood High baseball traveled to West Creek on Wednesday during the Coyotes’ senior night.

The matchup was a doubleheader series as each team looked to end their season finale contests with a win. It was West Creek who came out victorious, and they did so with authority. The Coyotes outscored the Knights 31-3 throughout the two games.

Kenwood pitcher Justin Rodriguez throws a pitcher to West Creek batter Jackson Cook on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek pitcher Sean Moss prepares to throw a pitch to Kenwood on on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Kenwood catcher EJ Williams prepares to catch the pitch on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek pitcher Evan Magnuson prepares to throw a strike against Kenwood on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Kenwood pitcher Darius Casiano prepares to throw a pitch against West Creek on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek baseball coach Terry Arrington talks over the game plan with his team against Kenwood on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek baserunner Nate Lucas slides into third base against Kenwood on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek infielder Braden Canaan against Kenwood on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Kenwood batter prepares to make contact against West Creek on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek players Nate Lucas and Xaven Fowler celebrate a run scored against Kenwood on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
Kenwood player Marvin Wares on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)
West Creek seniors celebrate senior night on May 4, 2022. (Ryan Vinson)

The deciding factor in the first game was West Creek’s ability to score an overabundance of runs in the first two innings. The team scored 18 runs, relying on their ability to work the count and drive runners in from scoring position. West Creek totaled 11 walks and 7 hits before the game was called.

Andres Garcia-Ortiz started the game for the Coyotes and pitched two innings. He gave up two earned runs due to Kenwood being patient on offense as well.

However, the overall deficit was too much to overcome for the Knights. Evan Magnuson shut the door on any potential comeback when he came on in relief of Garcia-Ortiz. Magnuson only needed nine pitches to end the third inning and the first game. West Creek wound up winning 18-2 over Kenwood.

Game two

The second game of the series began differently. Justin Rodriguez took the mound for Kenwood, and Sean Moss started the game for West Creek. Each pitcher looked comfortable on the mound throughout the first two innings of play. Only one earned run had been allowed, which put the Coyotes up early in the bottom of the second.

This was until the Knights responded with a run of their own in the next half inning. However, the tie did not last long. West Creek was able to separate themselves from their opponent. The Coyotes started the bottom of the third with four straight hits that drove in two runs. By the end of the third, West Creek led 5-1.

West Creek’s offense continued their production the following inning as the lineup scored 8 runs. Kenwood’s defense was plagued by errors and extra base hits. The game was called after the Coyotes pushed the game to 13-1.

“This win gives us a momentum boost moving forward,” said West Creek head coach Terry Arrington. “We’ve played some great teams over the last couple weeks and struggled to find ways to win. These wins gives us a mental boost going into tomorrow’s ‘do or die’ game.”

Arrington credited his seniors for playing a pivotal role in the most successful baseball season in West Creek history. “They were the start of something special with our program. They helped bring the winningest season to our team, and their leadership and ability to execute makes them a special group of kids.”