FRANKLIN FURNACE — Sophomore CJ Corns messed around and threw a one-hitter Monday evening as the Notre Dame Titans traveled to Franklin Furnace and came away with the win against the Green Bobcats, 4-0.
Corns’ lone hit came against the leadoff batter to start the game, Freshmen Tanner Kimbler. Kimbler was a bright spot for the Bobcats on the day, recording the hit, a stolen base, reaching on an error and pulling off some amazing throws at shortstop to keep the game close for Bobcat pitcher Trevor Carver.
“Tanner plays the position so well for a freshmen,” said Bobcat Head Coach Dan McDavid. “He made some really good stops out there.”
Carver pitched a solid game for the Bobcats, giving up only five hits and two walks while allowing four runs on the day. Green couldn’t seem to find their footing at the plate against Corns who was on top of his game.
“Corns threw a great ball game,” admitted McDavid. “He kept us off balance. We would have obviously liked to of win this game. But with baseball, the nice thing is there is always tomorrow. We go to Vinton County tomorrow and play again. Once we get to Notre Dame we will worry about them again, then.”
“You need offense to win games, and we are going to have to find a way to scratch a run across even when we face good pitching.”
Green is now 11-9 (8-1) on the year and will face Notre Dame once more on the year.
For the Titans, not only did Corns pitch a terrific game but they found some offensive firepower at the six spot in Sam Kayser. Kayser was 2-3 on the day with a double, a stolen base, and three RBIs.
“Sometimes people give Sam a hard time,” laughed Titans Head Coach Drew Mader. “But the kid can take it. He’s bene through it all. He’s a great kid and a great leader on and off the field. He came off the bus today and was ready to play. He hit strikes, didn’t chase out of the zone and made the pitcher throw to him.”
Corns had nine strikeouts and two walks in the shutout. Mader was impressed by his performance, but wasn’t surprised by the results.
“Coming into the game, and talking to CJ I knew he felt great. You just know these guys have been preparing for this big league game all season long. He’s only a sophomore, too. He has great command of his fastball, and his changeup really kept the batters off balance. He hit his spots and that’s crucial when you face a good team like Green.”
Notre Dame is now 11-4 (9-0) on the year and boast an 11 game winning streak.
“Our game plan is to keep doing what we are doing. We want to throw strikes and put the ball in the play. We are really trusting each other and this year I can say we have come together more as a family than any other team I’ve had. Something this year has really clicked. The kids love coming to practice, they like being around each other and the results speak for themselves. They are having a great time playing baseball.”
