Robbinsville splits conference slate, topples Cherokee
Robbinsville – Despite 12 strikeouts, Hayesville prevailed.
The Black Knights (3-4, 3-4) were shutout in their first pairing against the Smoky Mountain Conference-leading Yellow Jackets (6-0, 6-0) on Tuesday, mustering just five hits in a 3-0 loss.
It was a stark contrast to Friday’s trip to Cherokee, which resulted in a 12-4 victory for Robbinsville.
“They’re the best team we’ve faced in the conference,” Knights skipper Brent Icenhower said of Hayesville. “I’m pretty proud of the way our boys played; we made some errors, or it would have been a 1-0 game.
The Knights definitely left it all on the field. Starter Jeb Shuler fanned 12 Hayesville batters in the game and issued exactly zero walks in 6 2/3 innings of work. Robbinsville had baserunners in each of the first six frames, but stranded seven in the game – six of those were in scoring position when an inning ended.
“Jeb threw well,” Icenhower noted. “We were putting the ball in play, against a very good pitcher (Clayton Vandiver). We’re getting better every day.”
The Jackets did its damage in small spurts, only getting seven hits of their own. Connor Bradley had a 3-hit afternoon, which included an opposite-field, 2-run homer in the third that broke a scoreless tally.
Up next is Hiwassee Dam (1-6, 1-6). The Eagles visit Graham County on Friday; first pitch is at 4:30 p.m.
Robbinsville has had the game circled since the season opener wrapped up in disappointing fashion – a walk-off, 2-run homer that gave the Eagles a 10-9 victory on April 27.
“I want them all, but I want this win for sure; it’s redemption time,” said Icenhower. “I feel like we’re clearly the better team, so it’s a big game that I want to win.”
Braves disposed
Cherokee – Once the offense started rolling, the Knights had little trouble holding off the Cherokee Braves (1-5, 1-5) in a road game Friday, as Robbinsville picked up a 12-4 victory.
“I was happy get a win, but I was a little disappointed: we struck out too many times against them,” Icenhower said. “But our offense is starting to click.”