Hensley authors Polk Middle’s third no-hitter of season

Avery Hensley took his turn Thursday in Polk County Middle’s season of no-hitters.

Hensley threw the Wolverines’ third no-no of the season, dominating Flat Rock in a 10-0 victory at Polk County Recreation Complex.

Hensley struck out 10 and walked four in his effort. Three of those walks came to the first three batters of the game – Hensley responded to that jam with three straight strikeouts and allowed just one baserunner the rest of the way.

“Avery pitched the gutsiest game I’ve ever seen here,” said Polk Middle head coach Kenny Hall. “He was both smart and overpowering when he needed to be.”

“We played like a championship team today. Our defense was strong and we got timely hitting when it mattered.”

Hensley scored Polk’s first run in the first inning, singling, stealing second and later scoring on a passed ball.

Polk then broke the game open with a five-run third inning. Hensley doubled and Nate Fagan reached on an error to begin the inning. With one out, Hensley scored on a passed ball, with Noah Harden then drawing a walk.

Flat Rock errors allowed Fagan and Harden to score, with Sawyer Huff scoring on Blaine Turner’s single. Turner scored with two outs on Bryson Hoots’ base hit to give the Wolverines a 6-0 lead.

Polk added two runs in the fifth and then closed the game with two more runs in the sixth.

Hensley finished 3-for-4 and scored three runs, with Hoots 2-for-4 with an RBI. Fagan was 1-for-4 with two RBI, with Harden and Turner each adding hits.

Polk Middle (5-5) is set to return to the field on April 26, hosting Rugby Middle at 4:30 p.m.