MOUNT VERNON — It was as brutal as the recent heat wave.
The Mount Vernon Post 136 Knox County Royals yielded five walks and three hits in a six-run second inning, falling to Pickerington Post 283, 16-1, at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday.
The Royals allowed a total of 12 walks and 11 hits and were finished off in the sixth inning when they gave up final eight runs.
“We played a quality team,” said Royals coach Mike King. “Pickerington was 38-3 coming into this ballgame. We faced them before. The last game was a 4-3 ballgame and we were right there with them. We just didn’t have it tonight. We didn’t come out with the right approach. We didn’t attack the strike zone and we walked way too many batters. When you give them extra chances, they’re going to make you pay for it.”
Royals’ starting pitcher Jayben Martin was pulled in the second inning after issuing a free pass to Pickerington’s Jacob Horsley with the bases loaded. Already down 4-0, Royals’ reliever Tyler Quebedo was greeted with a two-RBI double by Pickerington’s Mason McGrew. Evan Jensen followed with a single to drive another pair of runs across and give Pickerington an 8-0 lead.
In the meantime, Pickerington right-hander Kyle Goodard only gave up two hits, both in the second inning. Ryan Goetzman beat out a grounder to third for an infield hit and moved up on an Alex Arck walk. Two outs later, Royals’ second baseman Duke Cunningham slapped an RBI single to score Goetzman.
