Behind a stellar pitching performance from Aaden Denton and timely baserunning, Polk County’s junior varsity baseball team secured a 2-1 victory Thursday over Patton in Mountain Foothills 7 Conference action in Morganton.
Denton went the distance for the Wolverines (2-6-1), scattering four hits over six innings while striking out seven Panthers. The right-hander worked out of several jams, including a tense sixth inning, to preserve the win against Patton (3-9).
Polk County manufactured the game’s first run in the third inning through aggressive baserunning. Cooper Meyer and Simms Harris both drew walks, with Meyer eventually scoring on a double steal attempt to give the Wolverines a 1-0 advantage.
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The visitors added what proved to be the decisive run in the fourth inning. Acer Eadus drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. After Oakley Whiteside walked, another passed ball moved Eadus to third base. Jace Williams then grounded out to shortstop, allowing Eadus to score and extend the lead to 2-0.
Patton scored a run in the fifth and threatened in the bottom of the sixth inning, placing runners at second and third with one out. The Panthers appeared poised for a comeback until Matt Jarrett made the defensive play of the game, snaring a line drive at shortstop and quickly doubling off the runner at second base to end the threat and secure the victory.
Jarrett led the Wolverines offensively with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Meyer and Harris each contributed two stolen bases, with Meyer also scoring a run. Williams picked up the team’s only RBI on his groundout.
The Wolverines return to action Monday, hosting Chase in a 4 p.m. contest at The Bottoms.
