Jonathan Rutland and Blake Bryant homered while eighth grader Jett Hart picked up the win in the CCA Patriots’ 14-4 victory over the Trinity Christian Crusaders in six innings on Thursday. CCA is now 11-6-2 overall and 6-0 in region play.
The Patriots jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first thanks to the pair of homers by Bryant and Rutland. Gray McLean led off the game with a single. Thomas Gentry then grounded into a fielder’s choice that forced McLean out at second. Bryant was next and he hit a 1-0 pitch out to left. Skyler Woods walked, setting the stage for Rutland. The senior hit a 2-1 offering out of the park to give CCA a 4-0 lead.
The Patriots added three more in the fourth and seven in the sixth to end the game via 10-run mercy rule in the sixth. The Crusaders scored all four of their runs in the top of the sixth. Woods drove in the final run of the game on a single to right that scored McLean.
Bryant was 3-4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Rutland was 2-4 with four RBI and a pair of runs. McLean and Gentry also had two hits and two runs scored. Gentry drove in three.
Hart went four innings and didn’t allow a run on two hits. He struck out two and didn’t walk anyone. Clay Phillips and Sam Ables both saw playing time in relief.
The Patriots have three important games this week against Robert Toombs. They play today and Thursday in Lyons. Tomorrow’s game is at home with first pitch scheduled for 4:30 p.m.