Big inning gives Southlake Carroll winning margin against Richland

By Jarret Johnson

jmjohnson@star-telegram.com

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — After being shut out through seven innings, Southlake Carroll rallied for seven runs in the eighth to defeat Richland 7-0 Friday to take sole possession of first place in District 4-5A.

Third baseman Kenny Hill, who signed to play football and baseball at Texas A&M, opened the flood gates for Carroll (15-5, 3-0 4-5A) with an RBI triple, his third extra-base hit, scoring pinch runner Zach Hernandez for a 1-0 lead.

“I had a decision to make, really the game called for a bunt right there, but I kept seeing those line-shots he [Hill] had already hit, and he just comes up with those time and time again,” said Carroll coach Larry Hughes, who won his 499th game. “I gambled sending the kid home from third, but I just usually do. I want to make a teenager make a perfect throw.”

Hill scored two batters later on an RBI single by Drew Brown. Connor Combs drove in three more Carroll runs on a single to the right-field wall. Two more RBI singles by Chris Turner and Hayden Zier and another run on a bases-loaded walk capped the scoring.

Carroll starter Tyler Alexander tossed seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Alexander and the defense stepped up all night in pressure situations to get out of jams as the Rebels (14-6, 2-1) loaded the bases in three separate innings without scoring.

“He’s such a smart pitcher and he spots his pitches so well,” Hughes said. “Tyler really didn’t have his normal stuff tonight, but some nights are like that.”

Ben Leeper came in for Carroll in the eighth, struck out two and picked up the save.

Richland starter Austin Pryor pitched a gem through seven innings. The senior lasted 7 2/3 innings, struck out seven and gave up four earned runs.

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