MORAN — Marmaton Valley senior pitcher Tyler Lord showed why Central Christian should be excited about their new signing, throwing a no hitter in Thursday’s 15-0 victory in the regional opener against Eureka.
Lord seated six batters over three innings as the Wildcats provided him with plenty of run support, including a seven RBI night from senior shortstop Garrett Morrison, as the Wildcats advanced to host Chase County Tuesday.
With Lord falling four walks shy of a perfect game, the Wildcats’ 15 runs seemed overkill, but much of their production came on four costly errors from the Tornadoes.
An inside the park grand slam by Morrison in the opening frame set the tone for the evening. A costly error at the next at-bat, followed by an RBI bunt from freshman outfielder Cooper Welch, an RBI double by freshman catcher Lane Lord, an RBI single by sophomore first baseman Kris McVey and an RBI triple by Morrison put Marmaton Valley up 10-0.
Garrett Morrison, Marmaton Valley senior, rounds first base during inside-the-park grand slam against Eureka. Morrison had a team-leading seven RBIs.
The Wildcats ended the game while still at bat in the third inning after a McVey RBI double, then a two-RBI triple by Morrison drove in McVey. Two runs from a mercy rule, Morrison scored on an infield error, then a grounder by senior second baseman Brevyn Campbell forced another infield error and a 15-0 victory.
With the win, the Wildcats improved their record to 18-5. Morrison was perfect in the batter’s box while tying McVey for the team lead in hits. The pair finished the night successful in 3 of 3 at-bats, but McVey’s four two RBIs were well short of Morrison’s mark. Lane Lord also had two RBIs.
First pitch for Tuesday’s game will take place 25 minutes after the 2 p.m. contest featuring Uniontown (13-10) and Mound Ridge (19-6). If they advance, the Wildcats will face either Uniontown or Moundridge in the regional championship, which will take place after the conclusion of the Chase County contest.
