The Benton Academy Raiders remained undefeated in conference play after taking two games from rival Manchester Academy 6-4 and 9-1 last week.
The Raiders improved to 16-5 overall and 8-0 in conference while the Mavs fell to 16-9 overall and 4-3.
Benton’s Landon Lowery took the hill in game one and threw four and a third innings, giving up three runs while walking one.
J.B. Middleton came on in relief and pitched two and two thirds innings while striking out eight and giving up one hit.
Nathan Wilson led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs.
In game two, Middleton and Wilson dominated on the mound, combining for 15 strikeouts to keep the MA bats at bay the entire game.
Middleton had eight strikeouts in three innings, and Wilson had seven Ks in three innings.
“J.B. started and did a good job of getting ahead and not trying to set up pitches but just going right after them,” said BA head coach Ty Dean. “Nathan has been great out of the bullpen for us all year. He’s not going to overpower anyone, but he’s a bulldog on the mound and always wants the ball. He’s thrown strikes for us all year and keeps us in the game. They did a good job locating fastballs and off speed pitches and were able to keep them off balance.”
Ben Boggan was 2-for-3 with a homerun and three RBIs. Colton Ellis also had a homerun and two RBIs, and Ayden Jones had two hits.
Added Dean: “Manchester has a good young team with a solid ace and a good coach. They will make a good run in the playoffs.”
