Trojans do the small things right, advance to Group 3A state semifinals

New Kent’s Matthew Gentry makes a diving slide into home plate to account for the Trojans second run of the day.

Robb Johnson photo

Unlike last year, New Kent’s Trojans didn’t want to have an early exit in the state tournament. And thanks to a combination of stellar defense and pitching, that first step to a state title was met.

New Kent’s baseball team blanked the Brentsville District Tigers 5-0, capturing their first appearance in the state semifinals with the June 6 win.

The game remained in a stalemate until the bottom of the fourth frame. Nile Gammon’s RBI single pushed across the first run of the game.

In the top of the fifth inning, New Kent appeared to be in trouble as Trojan hurler Lane Boyette faced Johnny Daly on a 3-2 full count. Daly reached out with his arm crossing the plate. While he was originally called out, the umpire reversed the decision and prompted a redo. Boyette remained unphased, striking out Daly on the next pitch.

The Trojans began executing small ball to string together more runs in the bottom of the fifth. A sacrifice bunt by Hunter Jesse advanced Matthew Gentry to second base. After Carson Seely reached base, Boyette’s RBI single doubled New Kent’s advantage (2-0).

Ashton Whitlow, now in as a pinch runner, used his speed to get around the bags as Thomas Wilson’s RBI triple drove both Seely and Whitlow home. One additional run upped the home team’s lead to 5-0 by the end of the inning.

From there, New Kent’s defensive grip along with prime pitching sealed the semifinal berth for the home team.

New Kent Head Coach Trevor Ronan spoke about making the most of every moment at the right time.

“We had timely hits along with key hits,” he said. “We are playing New Kent baseball.

“We play undefeated Liberty Christian on Friday,” Ronan added. “That is where our focus will turn to now.”