Richardson leads Crest in 2-0, pitcher’s duel win at Durant
By Lily Belcher, Correspondent
PLANT CITY – Strawberry Crest emerged victorious in a nine-inning pitcher’s duel against Class 7A-District 6 opponent Durant. After eight shut-out frames by both sides, a bunt by Zach Redner got by the Cougars third baseman and two runs scored on the error, giving Crest the 2-0 win in Thursday night’s match-up.
“I think I just went at [Durant] with strikes,” Chargers senior Luke Richardson said. “They’re a good hitting team but my defense can make plays when they need to. So, I was just trying to keep my pitch count low.”
Richardson took the mound for Strawberry Crest (14-6) planning to maintain control for as long as possible.
“I have to give it up to my catcher Damien Bennett because he called the entire game,” praised Richardson.
The right-hander focused on attacking the zone with his changeup to force soft contact. By quieting Durant (16-4) bats, he kept his pitch count low and picked up eight strikeouts across his eight innings.
“Luke Richardson is a heck of a competitor,” said Crest assistant coach Johnny Rayburn. “He went out there and he competed and he trusted his stuff and that’s all you can ask for.”
Strawberry Crest senior Luke Richardson delivers a pitch against Durant. Richardson earned the win, pitching eight, shutout innings and striking out eight (photo by L. Belcher).
Richardson gave up only three hits in the first four frames and didn’t give up any walks over his eight innings pitched.
For Durant (16-4), starting pitcher Blaine Rowland pitched eight shut-out innings with 12 strikeouts and two hits. Rowland was only relieved by Gavin Florio in the top of the ninth because he had tossed 105 pitches, the FHSAA maximum.
“I wanted to come as close [to a complete game] as I could get,” said Rowland. “…I was [hoping to go out for the ninth], but pitch count. It sucks.”
Durant starting pitcher Blaine Rowland went toe-to-toe with Richardson, also pitching eight scoreless innings, and striking out a dozen (photo by L. Belcher).
Crest took advantage of the pitching change and put two on with one out. Both Reuben Vasquez and Arjun Nimmala advanced to scoring position on a wild pitch. Zach Redner laid down a two-out bunt down the third baseline, allowing Vasquez and Nimmala to score the only two runs of the game.
With three outs to go, Redner relieved Richardson in the bottom of the ninth and secured the victory for the Chargers with three groundouts.
“I knew I didn’t want to strike out, [we] needed the run, needed to put the ball in play. [It was] just an amazing feeling when that happened,” said Redner.
Durant will travel to Chamberlain and Crest will visit Sumner, both on Saturday.
⚾⚾⚾⚾
#7 Strawberry Crest 2, #3 Durant 0 (9)
S 000|000|002 – |2|2|0
D 000|000|000 – |0|3|2
W – Richardson; L – Florio; S – Redner
2B – Ar. Nimmala (S). Records – S (14-6); D (16-4).
