Boyette’s pitching, New Kent defense steps up to win regional semifinals, clinch berth to state tournament

New Kent’s Lane Boyette seals the deal as his final pitch forces an out and propels the Trojans into the regional finals.

Robb Johnson photo

Sometimes providing an unknown protagonist in a story can lead to an intriguing plot. Such was the case when New Kent Trojans’ Head Coach Trevor Ronan sent freshman pitcher Lane Boyette to the mound during the May 31 Group 3A Region A semifinal contest at Colonial Heights.

Behind Boyette’s pitching and hitting, paired with defensive play from his Trojan teammates, New Kent blanked the Colonial Heights’ Colonials 4-0 in the baseball contest, clinching an appearance in the Group 3A state tournament and earning the right to host the June 1 championship game against Lakeland.

New Kent held a 2-0 lead when Boyette’s defensive awareness came into play. Boyette was able to snag a pop fly from Colonials’ batter Mason Warren. After his catch, he threw the ball to first base, enabling a double play and escaping the inning.

In the top of the fifth, Boyette helped his cause on the mound with his bat at the plate. His line drive connection to center field allowed Carson Seely to cross home plate to up New Kent’s advantage to 3-0. Thomas Wilson’s RBI single proved to be an insurance run as New Kent’s defense held firm to capture the victory.

After the contest, Ronan spoke about the monumental victory for his team.

“Our defense did great and Lane (Boyette) threw a great game,” the ecstatic head coach said. “We have to continue to play our game. They [The players] are listening and they are playing as a team.”