Andrews – By the end of the week, Robbinsville could be a .500 ball club – for the first time this year.
Nearly faded is the memory of the ugly 0-6 start to the campaign: since March 28, the Black Knights have amassed a 6-2 record and with return contests against Copper Basin, Tenn. (today in Copperhill, 5 p.m.) ; and Andrews (4:30 p.m. Friday, at home) on tap, Robbinsville is threatening to climb out of the cellar and make a push for its first postseason appearance since 2012.
The latest team to catch the Knights at the wrong time was Andrews, who incurred the wrath of Robbinsville’s second wind Tuesday. Smattering 14 runs across a 6-inning game, the Black Knights handed the Wildcats a 14-3 loss at Valley River Park.
“It was a great win; probably our first complete game, where we executed all the way around,” Robbinsville head coach Brent Icenhower said. “(We) still have a few things we need to work on, but overall me and the rest of the coaches were very pleased with the performance.”
It’s hard to argue with his assessment. Though the skipper might be slightly biased, the stats don’t lie.
Led by a 2-double, 5-RBI afternoon from senior first baseman Lathan Buchanan, Robbinsville (6-8, 3-4) looked as polished as it has all season. The Knights hastily built an 8-1 lead after three innings and put the game out of reach with a 4-spot in the sixth.
Robbinsville benefitted from six stolen bases in the win – with three attributed to Quinn Jumper, who also doubled and picked up an RBI. Ethan Orr and Luke Lovin hit the bump to relieve starter Graylen Orr, but also took care of business at the plate with a pair of 2-RBI showings.
Graylen Orr (4-3) fired six strikeouts in his three innings of work, earning the win in the process. Ethan fanned a quartet of Andrews (1-11, 1-8) batters, with Lovin posting a pair of K’s to round out a 12-strikeout game for the staff.