Walt Argrett blasted a grandslam to center field and the Knights put up eight runs on visiting Berkeley in the fourth to propel Stratford to a 12-2 win on Friday night. The Knights avoided the sweep and set themselves up with some momentum heading in to the final region series of the year next week with Goose Creek.
For the second time, in as many outings, Jacob Deacon was strong on the bump for the Knights. He went 5 2/3 allowing three hits while striking out seven to earn the win. Kyle McDowell would come on to record the final out of what would become the final inning.
The fourth inning propelled Stratford to the big win. The inning started with an Argrett double and Reece Scarbrough being hit by a pitch. With runners at first and third, Jachin Davis lined out to center scoring Argrett. A walk to Tripp Smith would put runners on the corners again with Scarbrough scoring on a passed ball. Junior Brayden Burnett would hit the Knights second double of the inning scoring Smith and giving the Knights a 6-2 lead. After a ground out the Knights would draw three consecutive walks forcing in a run and pushing the lead to 7-2. Argrett would come back up for the second time in the inning and drive a 2-1 fastball over the center field fence for a grand slam giving the Knights an 11-2 lead. Stratford would walk it off in the bottom of the sixth. Bryce Herpolsheimer singled to start the inning followed by a Gavin Garcia single. Kaiden Skinner would battle in his at bat and single to center, scoring Herpolsheimer, and ending the game.
Stratford returns to the diamond Monday at Goose Creek. This will be the Knights final region series as they look to solidify playoff seeding. Stratford is at Goose Creek Monday and Friday with Wednesday's home game serving as Senior Night. First pitch for the three contests is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
