BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Connor Guy and Chase Packham each drove in two runs as part of a 10-run first inning as the Keystone Heights High School baseball team defeated host Palatka 13-4 on April 11.
The Indians (13-4) opened the game with back-to-back doubles from Packham and Austin Musgrove, with Musgrove’s hit scoring Packham. Keystone loaded the bases with two outs when Guy and Andrew Wilson were hit by pitches. Gage Smith and Aiden Screen drew walks to force two runs in, while the four run scored on a passed ball. Wil Rogel reached on an error, which scored a run and put Keystone ahead 5-0.
Packham, who went 2 for 5 with two RBI, then stepped up for his second at-bat of the inning, hitting a single that plated two runs. After Musgrove reached on an error, Guy hit a two-run single. Ryan Jones reached on an error which allowed the final run of the inning to score.
Guy and Smith finished with two RBI each, while Musgrove Screen each had one.
Starting pitcher Smith allowed four runs through five innings, giving up four hits and one walk.
Guy pitched the final two innings, giving up one hit and no walks.
The Indians, who are ranked 19th in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A power rankings, host Orange Park on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. and Yulee on Wednesday, April 19, at 6 p.m. They then travel to play Fernandina Beach on Friday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. and travel to play Tocoi Creek on Monday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m.
Keystone returns home to play North Marion on Tuesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m.
