(FREDERICK, Md.) – The
Vaughn Parker era started off with a W as Wilson defeated Hood in the season opener on Tuesday afternoon.
Peyton Taylor (Sr., Worton, Md. / Kent County) provided the go-ahead game-winning run in the top of the ninth after advancing home on a steal by
Brady Andre (Sr., Brookeville, Md. / Sherwood), while
Emilio Rodriguez (So., Baltimore, Md. / Archbishop Curley) provided the save as he struck out a pair with a runner in scoring position to end the game.
It was the fourth consecutive season opening win for the Blue and White who remain unbeaten in three games all-time against the Blazers.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 5, Hood 4
Venue: Frederick Community College Turf Field
Records: Wilson 1-0, Hood 3-2
How It Happened
- The Blazers lit up the scoreboard first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. After an error which would have been the second out, Hood took advantage by plating the first run on an infield ground out. The hosts added another on a single one batter later.
- Wilson was quick to get even as it opened the next frame with a pair of walks. After a sacrifice bunt, Haden Hoff (Sr., Westminster, Md. / Westminster) took advantage of a wild pitch to make it 2-1. Harry Middlebrooks (FY, Bel Air, Md. / Archbishop Curley) eventually brought in Kade Linton (So., Frederick, Md. / Tuscarora) on a base hit.
- Middlebrooks wasn't finished as he helped the Phoenix take the lead with a sac fly to right to score Jordan McKenzie (Sr., White Plains, Md. / North Point) two innings later. Taylor followed up with a line drive up the middle for a 4-2 lead.
- Hood answered and tied the game in the bottom of the seventh. After a pair of walks and two stolen bases, Stephen Sommer brought in a pair with a base hit. Wilson avoided further damage with a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
- In the ninth, Taylor was able to get on second early after a walk and a sac bunt by Dean Mercer (Sr., Dunedin, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic). Andre moved him up another 90 with a base hit and stole second shortly after which allowed Taylor to score on the throw. The Phoenix threatened to add on more damage, but left the bases full.
- Hood had opportunities to tie as it opened the bottom half with a single and a sacrifice. Rodriguez then entered the game in relief and despite a passed ball moving the Blazers' Austin Rhue to third, he was able to get the next two batters to strike out swinging to end the game.
Inside The Numbers
- Middlebrooks ended the day 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Taylor also had a multiple-hit game with an RBI and a run scored.
- Cody Klotz (FY, Frederica, Del. / Lake Forrest) picked up the win in relief after he tossed 1.1 innings. He struck out a pair to pick up the decision in his collegiate debut.
- Chase Supensky (So., Baltimore, Md. / Towson) started the game and allowed two unearned runs on four hits in 3.0 innings of work.
- All together the Phoenix battery punched out seven batters. In addition to Klotz and Rodriguez, Shane Bowie (Sr., Frederick, Md. / Thomas Johnson) fanned a pair as well during his two perfect innings of relief work.
- The Phoenix were credited with five stolen bases on the day. Andre added another in the ninth for two on the day. Middlebrooks, Hoff and Ryan Torres (Jr., Baltimore, Md. / Archbishop Curley) all swiped the others.
For The Record
- Wilson is now 3-0 all time against southern neighbor. The Phoenix have scored five runs in all three contests with another 5-4 win last year at Henninger Field and a 5-2 victory at Hood on April 1, 2019.
Up Next
Wilson will open up a three-game series against Alfred State with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch with the Pioneers is set for 12 p.m.
