Bill Lusk | WVOW Sports
BELFRY, KY The previous meeting between Man and Belfry (KY) resulted in the two clubs combining for 32 runs and 30 hits in a Man 18-14 victory on March 28 at William Tootie Carter Field.
This team it was the pitching that stole the headlines Man freshman Braxton Messer and junior Bo Thompson combined on a three-hitter as Man defeated Belfry, 1-0, Thursday night at Belfry High School.
Messer worked into the seventh inning before exceeding the pitch count limit and being relieved by Thompson with two outs in the seventh inning.
The lone run of the contest came in the third inning, as Preston Blankenship hit into a fielder’s choice to score Colton Miller from third base. The Hillbillies left 10 runners on base in the contest including six in scoring position.
Messer was pulled after 114 pitches and allowing two hits in 6 2/3 innings. Messer walked six and struck out six batters to earn the victory. Thompson allowed one hit and struck out one in 1/3 innings to earn his first save of the season for Man.
Ashton Deskins allowed one run on three hits in six innings while striking out seven and walking three in the defeat. Jon Banks pitched a hitless inning of relief while striking out one and walking one.
Isaiah Stanley had two hits and Tyler Slone one hit for Belfry, who drops to 15-9 with the loss.
Miller singled and scored the lone run for Man, who also got singles from Messer and Caleb Vance while Blankenship drove in one run.
The Hillbillies improve to 15-7 with the win and will return to action Tuesday evening hosting Charleston Catholic at 7 p.m.