The Henryetta Knights used timely hitting and aggressive base running to rally late and defeat the Chandler Lions 5-3 Monday in a tightly contested high school baseball matchup.
With the game tied entering the seventh inning, Henryetta delivered the decisive blow. Catcher Will Perez came through in the clutch, ripping a double that drove in two runs and broke the 3-3 deadlock, giving the Knights the lead for good. The lategame hit capped a resilient effort by Henryetta, which had battled backand- forth with Chandler throughout the evening.
Henryetta first got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning. After putting runners aboard with a pair of singles, Blake Silkwood delivered a key base hit that plated two runs and gave the Knights an early advantage.
Chandler answered back in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sawyer Sims tied the contest when he lined a single down the left-field line, driving in a run and evening the score at 3-3, setting up the dramatic finish in the final inning.
On the mound, Hunter Bowdler started for the Knights and showed flashes of dominance early. The Henryetta pitcher worked three and twothirds innings, allowing no hits while striking out six. Despite issuing six walks and allowing two runs, Bowdler kept Chandler from generating solid contact and kept the Lions within reach for the Knights offense.
Bryson Taylor handled starting duties for Chandler and kept the Lions competitive throughout the game. Taylor pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and three runs while striking out six and walking three.
Henryetta turned to the bullpen late, with Boston Morris and Haiden Kaler providing relief to help secure the victory and keep Chandler from mounting another comeback attempt.
Offensively, the Knights collected nine hits in the game. Blaze Hill and EJ Glover provided steady production in the lineup, each collecting two hits while batting back-to-back in the order. Their consistency helped keep pressure on Chandler’s pitching staff throughout the contest.
Perez not only delivered the game-winning hit but also played a key role on the basepaths. The Knights catcher finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and wreaked havoc on the bases with three stolen bases. As a team, Henryetta swiped five bases, using speed and aggressive base running to create scoring opportunities.
Chandler also had its share of offensive highlights. Leadoff hitter Christian Goeller led the Lions at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 and consistently setting the table for the Chandler lineup. Mason Murray contributed an RBI for the Lions during their fifth-inning rally.
The Lions demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing eight walks during the game. Rhett Haley and Maddox Metheny each recorded two bases on balls to lead Chandler in that category.
Defensively, Chandler turned in a flawless performance, committing no errors in the field. Metheny was particularly active defensively, recording eight chances and helping anchor the Lions’ defense.
Despite Chandler’s strong defense and disciplined approach at the plate, Henryetta’s late-inning execution ultimately proved to be the difference. Perez’s clutch double in the seventh inning provided the spark the Knights needed to pull away and secure the win.
— Knights dominate Tuesday rematch
Henryetta returned home Tuesday and left little doubt about the outcome, overpowering Chandler 12-0 in a game shortened by the run rule.
The Knights wasted no time getting started, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the first inning. Hunter Bowdler started the scoring with a two-run single. The inning continued with EJ Glover, James Joslin and Boston Morris each driving in runs after being hit by pitches, while a wild pitch brought in another run.
Henryetta extended the lead in the second inning when Blake Silkwood singled to center field and Blaze Hill followed with a groundout, with both plays bringing in two runs.
The Knights added to their advantage in the third inning when Will Perez launched a two-run home run to center field, further padding the lead.
On the mound, Haiden Kaler delivered an outstanding performance. The southpaw earned the win after pitching five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out three and walking one.
Chandler’s Maddox Metheny took the loss after pitching two innings and allowing 10 runs on seven hits.
Henryetta’s offense finished with 11 hits. Bowdler had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 to lead the Knights. Perez and Silkwood each drove in two runs, while Mavrix Randleman and Boston Morris also recorded multiple hits.
The Knights also played clean defense behind their pitching staff, committing no errors in the field. Bowdler led the defense with five fielding chances.
For Chandler, Garrett Garner was a bright spot offensively, collecting two hits in two at-bats.
