Dominating Start: University Secures Impressive 4-1 Victory Over Preston

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School faced Preston in a hotly contested Class AAAA Region I game on Monday. The Hawks took the lead early and worked to maintain it, even as the Knights remained close behind.

In the sixth inning, Preston rallied with three consecutive hits, putting the tying run at the plate. With two men in scoring position, University’s coach, Travis Renner, brought in Daniel Grabo, their third pitcher of the day. Grabo struck out Aydin Ward, halting Preston’s momentum. He later sealed a 4-1 victory for the Hawks, allowing them to advance to a match against Morgantown Tuesday.

“Daniel has become our go-to guy in tight situations,” Renner said, highlighting Grabo’s reliability in crucial moments.

Initially, the Knights struggled, trailing 4-0 through the third, fourth, and fifth innings. They didn’t get a hit until the sixth. Jacob Kennison pitched well in the beginning, but with Brady McNew’s double, things turned. Lyric Moats followed with a single, and despite a fielder’s choice at the plate, Preston finally scored when Tanner Thomas hit a single that resulted in an error, bringing Moats home.

Grabo quickly got back in control, overpowering Ward and keeping University ahead. While Ward’s relief pitching was effective, Grabo finished strong, retiring the last batter after allowing a walk.

University grabbed an early lead thanks to a Preston error that allowed Curtis Quarrick to reach second base. Brance McCune followed with a single, and both players scored soon after on Grabo’s hit to center. “Starting a game strong like that can really deflate the other team,” said Glen McNew, the Preston coach.

Tommy Montague later hit a ground rule double, enabling Grabo to score again. McCune added a single, bringing the score to 4-0. While Preston’s starter, Thomas, settled down after that, he couldn’t stop the flurry of runs early on.

Throughout the first three innings, University racked up all seven of its hits, with McCune’s two standout performances leading the charge. “We told the guys to keep pushing, not to let up,” Renner noted. “Even when we had chances, we didn’t capitalize like we could have.”

Kennison was crucial, striking out three batters and controlling the game with his breaking ball. “He really understands strategy and knows how to pitch effectively,” Renner commented.

Both Thomas and Ward managed two strikeouts for Preston. The Knights are not out of the tournament yet; they have another game on Wednesday where they’ll seek redemption. “Our pitching was solid today,” McNew reflected. “We just need to tighten up our defense and come ready to play.”

This game highlights the competitive spirit in high school baseball. Each inning can swing the momentum, and coaches emphasize the importance of both pitching and clutch hitting. As the playoffs continue, teams will need to adapt and learn quickly to survive.

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