Scott Cortner opened the 2024 season in a big way for the Caldwell County Tiger baseball team.
The sophomore right-hander tossed a one-hit shutout and struck out seven as Caldwell beat Livingston Central 3-0 Monday at the VFW Ballpark in Princeton.
Cortner faced the minimum 21 batters in the seven-inning contest.
Livingston’s Skylar Padon singled into the hole on the left side for a leadoff single in the top of the fourth inning. However, he was thrown out by Caldwell catcher Chase Lantrip trying to steal second base.
Cortner then retired the next 11 batters in order.
Caldwell extended its win streak against Livingston to 19 games going back to the 2010 season. The Tigers have taken 24 of their last 25 meetings with the Cardinals.
Livingston got solid pitching from Daniel Ramage and Jackson Duncan, who combined to allow just three base hits. However, the Cardinals also surrendered five walks and hit two batters.
All three Caldwell runs came on leadoff walks.
Channing Puckett walked to start the second inning. He stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Cortner’s groundout to second brought home Puckett to make it 1-0.
David Ginn drew a base on balls to start the third. A pickoff attempt went awry allowing Ginn to take second. Ari Wells drove him in with a two-out double off the fence in right to make it a 2-0 game.
Caldwell’s final run came in the fifth. Again, Ginn walked to start the inning. He stole second, took third on a groundout by Carter Whittington, then scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.
Wells finished 2-for-2 at the plate with a single and a double.
Cole Slone had the Tigers’ only other base hit with an infield single in the fifth.
Caldwell will play at home again on Tuesday when it hosts Union County.
One Response
Great opening win! Go Tigers.