After dropping five games in a row, the Todd County Central High School baseball squad took out some aggression in a significant way Monday. The Rebels pounded 15 hits, took advantage of 10 Russellville errors, and snapped its losing streak with a dominant 20-1 victory over the Panthers on the road.
Todd Central had eight extra-base hits in the decisive decision — its first district win in three tries — including a pair of triples from Gayvn Nolan. Devin Schutt had two of the Rebels’ six doubles and a game-best three RBI. TCCHS built a 5-0 lead before recording its first out of the night, with Schutt (RBI double), Nolan (RBI triple), Zack Robinson (RBI single), and Peyton Ortiz (RBI double) doing their respective damage consecutively.
The Nos. 1-6 hitters were particularly effective, although the offensive onslaught was relatively balanced. Preston Rager, Nate Reding, Schutt, Nolan, Robinson, and Ortiz combined to go 10-of-22 with 10 RBI and 15 runs scored. Todd Central scored seven runs in the first inning, two in the second, five in the third, and six in the fifth to clinch the mercy rule win.
Robinson (3-3), who came into the game with 23 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings this season, fanned a dozen in five innings Monday. He walked three, scattered three hits, and gave up the one run on a two-out single in the bottom of the fourth.
Russellville’s Gus Gunderson took the loss. He was unable to record an out before allowing three hits and four runs. Eric Zamarripa gave up 12 hits and 16 runs during the five innings of relief. The Panthers (2-15) have lost seven games straight.
Todd County Central (9-11) will try for its second straight district victory Tuesday when the Rebels and Russellville square off again during the home-and-away series in Elkton. TCCHS then plays its next three games on the road.
