Warriors win sectional title, Hornets fall to Hiland

Like and Share this story on Facebook

CCM/ Carol McIntire Carrollton shortstop Isiah McConnell stretches to put a tag on Maysville runner Kolton Gifford at second base.

A first inning home run was the only score Carrollton needed to claim a 6-0 win over Zanesville Maysville and the Division II East 2 Sectional baseball championship last week. The title is Carrollton’s first since 2007.
The Warriors, the No. 3 seed, hosted the No. 20 seeded Panthers in the combined sectional/district bracket May 16 and wasted no time putting runs on the board.
With one out in the bottom of the first inning, senior Cayden Rininger hit a single and advanced to second base on a pitch in the dirt. Senior Cadyn Smith drew a walk to bring sophomore Landon James to the plate. James blasted a homerun to left field that scored Rininger and Smith.
Carrollton added a run in the second when senior John Birong scored from third on an overthrown ball to first base.
The Panthers threatened in the top of the third inning. Carrollton turned a double play to end the threat when a Maysville batter hit a line drive back to pitcher Hayden Jenkins who alertly threw to Rininger at second. Rininger completed the double play with a throw to Smith at first base.
A single by Jake Whitmore and walks to Jenkins and Birong loaded the bases in the third with two outs as the Warriors threated to break the game open. Panther pitcher Kolton Gifford averted the threat with a strike out.
The Warriors added a run in the fourth when Rininger hit a single and advanced to second on an error. Smith brought his teammate home with a double and gave Carrollton a 5-0 lead. The hosts added an insurance run in the fifth inning when sophomore Cooper Haun picked up an RBI.
Rininger went two-for-three at the plate and scored two runs to lead the offensive effort. Birong had two singles, scored a run and stole a base.
Jenkins went three innings on the mound, allowing two hits. The southpaw struck out four batters and gave up two walks.
Isiah McConnell and Smith pitched in relief, giving up a combined total of four hits.

Leave a Comment

Sign up for our Newsletter

Interested in a monthl roundup of stories? Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.

Skip to content