Kirtland had the bats working in a doubleheader sweep over host Columbus West on Saturday. The Hornets, who improved to 4-1 on the year, pounded out 26 hits in 24-0 and 15-5 wins over the Cowboys.
“It was a great team effort,” said Kirtland coach Luke Smrdel. “We got everybody in and they all took advantage of their opportunities.”
The Hornets scored 11 runs in the top of the first inning of the first game and never let up.
Anthony Fortuna was 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, five runs batted in and he also pitched three scoreless innings with six strike outs to pick up the win.
“He was hitting the ball awesome at the plate,” Smrdel said. “He was hitting line drives everywhere and he had good command on the mound. He got ahead of batters and just did a great job.”
Joey Bates, David Allchin and Jacob Boyd each had two hits for the Hornets in the first game and Allchin, Boyd and Brendan Williamson all knocked in three runs.
The second game started much like the first with the Hornets jumping out to an 8-0 lead in the first.
Michael Kmentt finished the game 3-for-3 with two RBI and Bates, Allchin and Boyd all had two hits in the second contest.
Seth Carn pitched three scoreless innings and struck out six to pick up the win.
“He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the third inning,” Smrdel said. “That was great to see. He struck out six on the day and did a good job of getting ahead of hitters and was in zone most of the day.”
Bates finished the doubleheader 4-for-4 with five runs scored and an RBI. Allchin was 4-for-7 with four runs scored, and four RBI while Boyd was 4-for-6 with four runs scored and five RBI.
In addition to picking up two more wins, the Hornets came together as a team on the long bus ride to Columbus.
“It was a very good experience for us,” Smrdel said. “We had a lot of time to bond as a team and to get to know one another on a long road trip and we did very well on field as well.”
