BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Keystone Heights High School’s baseball team scored 12 runs in the fifth and sixth innings in defeating host Interlachen 16-2 in six innings on Feb. 17.
The Indians (2-2) led 4-0 going into the fifth, which began with a Tyler Brinson triple. One out later, Ty Mitzel walked. Brinson scored on a sacrifice fly by Ethan Franklin, while Destin Harnage and Andrew Wilson both walked to load the bases. Aiden Screen walked, while Austin Smith and Tallon Campbell were both hit by pitches, forcing a total of three runs in. Brinson came back up to bat and walked to bring home another run. An error on a ball put into play by Barry scored the inning’s final run, putting Keystone up 10-0.
Brock Screen led off the top of the sixth with a double and scored when the Rams committed an error on a line drive hit by Harnage. Harnage scored on a wild pitch before Wilson and Smith both reached on singles. Wilson eventually scored on a passed ball. After Campbell walked, Brinson and Barry hit back-to-back doubles, with Brinson’s pushing one run across and Barry’s scoring the final two runs.
Brinson finished 2 for 3 with two RBI, while Mitzel went 2 for 4.
Barry had two RBI, while Campbell, Franklin, Harnage, Smith and Aiden Screen each had one.
Mitzel, who started, and Harnage each pitched two innings, giving up no runs and no walks. Mitzel allowed one hit and struck out two, while Harnage gave up no hits and struck out four.
Brinson and Campbell each pitched one inning and gave up one hit each. Brinson, who walked none, struck out two.
The Indians host North Marion on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. and then travel to play Middleburg on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.
On Monday, Feb. 24, Keystone hosts Ridgeview at 7 p.m. before traveling to Alachua on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to play Santa Fe at 7 p.m.
