BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Gage Smith drove in two of his three runs in the first inning as the Keystone Heights High School baseball team defeated host Williston 6-3 on April 10.
The Indians (12-4) scored five runs in all in the first. Chase Packham hit a leadoff single before Austin Musgrove was hit by a pitch. With two outs, Noah Branch was hit by a pitch to load the bases. After Packham scored on a passed ball, Andrew Wilson drew a walk. Smith hit a single to plate two runs, while Aiden Screen drove in the fourth run on a single of his own. Smith later scored on an error.
Musgrove earned the win. He started and pitched 3.2 innings, giving up no runs and two hits, while striking out five.
Ryan Jones threw the final 2.1 innings, giving up no runs, no hits and no walks. He had three strikeouts.
Keystone entered the game off a 2-0 win at Baker County. At the time, the Wildcats were ranked sixth in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A power poll.
Starting pitcher Ben Goforth gave up six hits and three walks through six innings, striking out five.
Jones pitched the final inning, giving up no hits and one walk, while striking out two.
The Indians scored both of their runs in the third inning. Smith hit a leadoff single and advanced to second on a Screen sacrifice. Wil Rogel hit a single, followed by Packham getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. Musgrove drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly. Connor Guy and Jones then drew back-to-back walks, with Jones’ walk forcing in a run.
Wilson was one of two batters with multiple hits (joining Baker’s Titus Richardson), going 2 for 3.
Keystone travels to play Palatka on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. and will host Middleburg on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. The Indians host Orange Park on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. and then host Yulee on Wednesday, April 19, at 6 p.m.
