Post Photo by Rickey Clardy Freshman Kaleb Maillet fires a pitch for the Vikings. Maillet went the distance for the win, striking out seven and walking one, while allowing five hits.
By RICKEY CLARDY
Sports Writer
UNIONVILLE — Freshman Kaleb Maillet pitched a complete game 5-hitter while allowing just one unearned run as the Community Vikings edged the Huntland Hornets 2-1 in a baseball contest Thursday night.
It was a pitchers’ duel as the game took only 1 hour and 18 minutes to play.
The Hornets had a serious threat in the top of the fourth as a double and a fly ball put the go-ahead run on third with one out.
But a key groundout to third baseman Nic Evans, who held the runner while making the out at first helped to keep Huntland off the scoreboard.
The Vikings finally broke the ice in the bottom of the fourth.
A leadoff double by Maki Fleming and a wild pitch put Fleming at third with none out. After a pop out, Drew Harris drove in Fleming with a single to give Community a 1-0 lead.
The Vikings upped their lead in the fifth without the benefit of a hit.
After one out, Isaiah Beech walked and Jaxson Roberts and Josh Powers were both hit by pitches to load the bases.
After the second out was recorded, a Hornet error at first base gave Community a run and a 2-0 advantage.
Huntland cut the Viking lead in the top of the sixth.
After a leadoff walk put a Hornet on base, a throwing error on the basepaths gave the Hornets their first run as the Vikings maintained their lead at 2-1.
Maillet retired the Hornets in order in the seventh as the Vikings took home the close win.
Maillet struck out seven while walking one for the Vikings.
The Vikings had just three hits in the win with Fleming, Harris, and Elijah Westbrooks each accounting for a safety.
Huntland 000 001 0 — 1 5 2
Community 000 110 x — 2 3 1
Community: Maki Fleming 1-for-3, Drew Harris 1-for-3, Elijah Westbrooks 1-for-3.
WP: Maillet
