By Jim Muir
Cameron Rock had a two-out, two-strike single helping Benton to a 5-run third inning and an 8-4 SIRR Ohio Division victory over Murphysboro in action at Eovaldi Field.
The Rangers trailed 2-0 entering the third inning after the Red Devils had scored one in the first and another in the top of the third. On top of the 2-0 deficit starting pitcher Dakota Head was moved from the mound to shortstop after experiencing soreness in his shoulder and senior Zach Mocaby was called on in relief.
The Rangers half of the third inning began with Tyler Owens going down on strikes followed by a walk to Gus Gibbs. Martin Ward, who had three hits on the day, singled moving Gibbs to second and Head laced a line drive up the middle scoring Gibbs. Benton catcher Ethan Hughes, who missed three games after being hit in the head with a pitch, flied out to shallow left field leaving runners on second and third with two outs for Rock.
The Benton senior hit one back up the middle scoring two to give Benton a lead it would never relinquish. Benton added another run in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth to secure the win.
The Rangers had lost three in a row heading into the Ohio Division match up and improved to 12-8 over all and 4-3 in conference play with the win.
“I don’t think we’re where we can be,” said Benton coach Brett Blondi. “But, this was a nice win for us and something to build on.”
Along with Ward’s three hits Head and Mocaby also had two hits for the Rangers who pounded out 10 hits in the victory.
Benton will be in action on Tuesday afternoon against West Frankfort at Eovaldi Field at Benton Community Park.
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