Blazers blow out Benton at Everett Field

BENTON – It was a forgettable game for the Benton Panthers in a contest part of Joe T. Robinson’s competition Thursday. Played at Everett Field at Panther Stadium, the Panthers would fall 17-1 to the Valley View Blazers, managing just one hit on the day while using six different pitchers in a game that went five innings due to the sportsmanship rule.

The Raiders (5-2) scored at least two runs in each of the first four innings, including putting up a 9-spot in the second frame, and led 17-0 after four innings.

The Panthers (4-5) put up their lone run in the bottom of the fifth when senior Justin Mitchem doubled to lead off the inning, Benton’s first and only hit, and later scored on an error to set the 17-1 final. Mitchem finished 1 for 2, with Benton freshman Marcus Bates walking once.

For Valley View, junior Lawson Ward had a huge game going 4 for 5 with a triple, four runs and five RBIs. On the mound, Slade Caldwell shut the Panthers down giving up the unearned run on just one hit and a walk, striking out seven in four innings.

Beau Kidd Smith struck out the side in the fifth to end the game.

The Panthers issued 12 walks to the Blazers, while also giving up 10 total hits. Senior Drake Womack threw a scoreless and hitless inning with a walk and strikeout for the Panthers, while Evin Campbell didn’t give up a hit or run in two thirds of an innings, striking out one.

The Panthers are scheduled to take on Shiloh Christian in the Robinson competition today at 1 p.m. and got back to 5A South Conference play Tuesday against Lake Hamilton at home.