Boone uses five-run fourth to fuel 9-2 win over host Perry

0
943
Brandon Kenyon started behind the plate for Perry Thursday against visiting Boone.

Visting Boone turned a slim 2-1 advantage into a 7-1 gulf after logging five runs on five hits and a walk into the scorebook in the top of the fourth inning at Progressive Field Thursday.

The surge was more than enough to enable Boone (6-1, 3-0) to post a 9-2 win over Perry (1-5, 1-1) in Raccoon River Conference play.

The Bluejays escaped a two-on, no-out jam in the second when pitcher Janier Puente lunged forward to snare a popped-up bunt, then wheeled to fire a strike to Adan Medina at second base to double off the lead runner and ruin the rally.

Perry plated a run in the bottom of the inning when Alex Long reached on an error with one out to start the mini-surge. He stole second base with a wrap-around slide that avoided the tag of shortstop Jackson Hull, then raced home on Alexis Garrido’s base hit.

Three singles and an outfield error allowed two Toreador runs to score in the third, with Perry squandering a two-on, one-out opportunity in the bottom of the frame.

Boone loaded the bases in the fourth with consecutive singles and an all-safe fielder’s choice when an attempt to force the lead runner at third was late.

Perry starter Janier Puente recorded a strikeout for the first out, but a run-scoring single and two-run double followed as Boone moved to a 5-1 lead. A walk, wild pitch and another RBI single moved the tally to 7-1 before a fly ball ended the inning.

The hosts scored in the fifth when Kade VanKirk walked and stole second with two outs. Kyle Nevitt drew a base on balls to keep the frame alive, with Puente driving in VanKirk with an opposite field single.

Janier Puente delivers a pitch against visiting Boone Thursday.
Janier Puente delivers a pitch against visiting Boone Thursday.

VanKirk relieved Puente on the hill for the final three frames and was touched for two runs on a pair of hist in the seventh. He walked one and struck out one.

Puente was handed the loss in four innings of work. He yielded seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three.

Puente’s two singles and base hits from Garrido and Kaleb Olejniczak were the only hits allowed by Boone starter Evan Appenzeller. He issued three walks and struck out three, with one of Perry’s runs unearned.

Perry visits ADM tonight and will play in the Nodaway Valley tourney Saturday.

Did you like this story? Please support our daily coverage of local news and sports with a one-time donation or a recurring donation of $5 per month.




 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.