The McCracken County baseball squad celebrated senior night with a shutout win over Murray on Tuesday night. A stellar performance on the mound combined with timely hitting was the key for the Mustangs in the 4-0 victory.
Head coach Zach Hobbs took time to reflect on how the seniors positively impacted this program in multiple aspects.
“This group of young men, it’s been so great to coach these guys. They were seventh graders whenever I took over the program, so I’ve seen them all the way through,” Hobbs said. “They’re very good baseball players, but really, they are just unbelievable young men. I’m excited to see what they do in the future. They’ve been a joy to coach this year.”
Senior Lane Hagley was a huge part of McCracken’s success in the shutout victory. He tossed a complete game shutout on the mound, and allowed just four hits while striking out three.
“It’s great, he got a complete game on senior night,” Hobbs said. “He pitched really well. He does a great job when he gets his opportunity to pitch. He’s amazing on the charts. He’s like another coach for us, and keeps us in line in the dugout. I’m really happy for him. He’s a great kid, and what a senior night for him to go out on.”
McCracken’s first run came in the first with leadoff hitter Kendrick Dunning roping a double out to left field, and Caden Kern driving him in with a groundout later in the inning.
Another senior who made a heavy impact in this game was left fielder Braden Truitt. He tallied RBI singles in both the third and fifth innings that increased the lead to four, and 2-3 on the day. His two hits and two RBI with runners in scoring position is a prime example of how important that senior leadership and experience can be for the squad by delivering in big spots.
Murray starter Avery Starks had a solid outing on the mound, but the squad just couldn’t provide the bats to back him up. Through 4.1 innings, Starks allowed four hits and three earned runs, and struck out six for the Tigers. Senior Will McCoil followed with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to round out the game for Murray.
The Tigers have just one final game of the regular season this Thursday against Paducah Tilghman, their second straight road game against a tough Second District squad. They have already clinched a spot in the region tournament after their win against Calloway last Thursday, so they will most likely use this final game to fine tune their game before the postseason.
McCracken has their final three games scheduled consecutively to end this week. They face Paducah Tilghman on the road tonight, followed by games against Jackson (MO) and University Heights on Thursday and Friday to round out their regular season.
“We just have to keep competing. That’s all I’m worried about. The outcomes of games at this point don’t matter. Our schedule is challenging for a reason. Going across town to Tilghman tomorrow will obviously be a good game. We’re going to go in there and play hard and try to execute and see what happens.”
MCCRACKEN COUNTY 4, MURRAY 0
MURR0 0 0 0 0 0 0- 0 4 1
MCHS1 0 1 0 2 0 X- 4 5 1
WP: Hagley ; LP: Starks
2B: Dunning
TB: Truitt 2, Dunning 2, Casebier 1, English 1 ; Munsey 1, Starks 1, Whitaker 1, Crady 1
HBP: Casebier, Dunning
SB: Dunning
CS: Casebier
E: Casebier ; McCoil
RECORDS: MCCRACKEN COUNTY (24-7) ; MURRAY (12-15)