Connersville varsity baseball opened Sectional 24 play on Thursday night at Jay County, grinding out a 3-1 win over New Castle behind strong pitching and timely hitting.
Brody Shearer set the tone on the mound, striking out nine and walking two in a winning effort. New Castle’s Carson Bell took the loss.
The bottom of the Spartans’ lineup delivered the offensive spark. Evan Miller, Kooper Grizzell, and Jay McMullen combined for five of Connersville’s eight hits. The Spartans struck early in the first inning when Zaine Bentley laid down a sacrifice bunt to bring home the game’s first run.
McMullen, hitting in the nine spot, led the team with a perfect 3-for-3 night. Bentley and McMullen each drove in a run, while Grizzell added two hits in three at-bats.
Parker Flanigan broke the Connersville High School record for stolen bases in the sixth inning passing the previous record of 28 by Dane Bartlett established in 1976. Parker now holds the school single season and career stolen base records as a junior.
Bentley closed the door in relief to earn the save.
With the win, Connersville advances to face Yorktown in the second round. The second round games have been rescheduled from tonight to Monday starting at 10 a.m.; Connersville and Yorktown will face off in the first game with the sectional final schedule to start at 6 p.m.
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