By Alex Schillig

PATASKALA, OHIO – In a game loaded with several Division I prospects, Watkins Memorial sophomore right-handed pitcher Chandler Day outlasted Mount Vernon’s talented sophomore left-handed pitcher Alex Arck. 

After a shaky start, Day settled in and struck out 12 Mount Vernon batters in six innings of work.

Mount Vernon struck first in the third inning as speedy left fielder JD Orr doubled and later scored on a wild pitch. Orr led the Yellow Jacket team in hitting going 3 for 3 with a single, double, triple, and also added a stolen base.  

In the top of the fourth inning, Mount Vernon looked as if they were going to run away with this game. The nine-hole hitter Nate Bolander stepped up to the plate and drilled a two-run bomb over the left field fence. Nick Rummel followed him reaching on an error and then Orr drove a triple over the center fielders head giving the Yellow Jackets a 4-0 lead.  

Arck had complete control of the Warriors hitters until the fifth inning.  Between the top and bottom of the 5th inning, Watkins Memorial's Coach Schone could be heard challenging his team to focus at the plate and start to chip into Mount Vernon's lead.  

The Warriors did just that, but went a step further scoring five runs in the inning. The rally was started by nine-hole hitter Rickie Frey with a single, and the Warriors continued to score as the next seven hitters reached base safely as the home team reached a one run advantage.

Day made quick work of the Mount Vernon hitters in the top of the sixth striking out two and then inducing a groundout. 

Meanwhile, Watkins kept their momentum from the fifth inning by scoring again in the sixth. A walk followed by a sacrifice bunt gave Steven Asbury an opportunity for an RBI, and he came through with a hard hit single.  Mount Vernon committed an error allowing Asbury to score pushing the Warriors lead to 7-4.

The Warriors needed three more outs to secure the win.  Day started the 7th inning but was pulled after allowing the first hitter to reach base. Watkins Memorial turned to senior left-handed pitcher Danny Sexton (Tiffin recruit) for the save. 

After allowing the first batter to reach, Sexton earned the save as he overpowered the next three hitters with consecutive strikeouts. 

To view scouting notes from this game, please visit the Ohio High School Scouting Blog. The blog gets updated throughout the week. 

To discuss this game, please visit our partner JJHuddle.