WEB CAST.
Garner came into play Friday night needing to defeat East Wake on their senior night to make the State Playoffs and the Trojans did just that in a big way with seven runs in the first inning en route to a 14-4 win over East Wake.
The first four Trojan hitters reached base and eight of the first nine got on base safely as Garner chased Warrior starter Eric Hardin from the game after just 1/3 of an inning of work. There were a couple of big hits in the inning as Garner got a RBI double from CJ Schmitt and a two run double down the left field line from Jackson Pleasant.
The score remained 7-0 until the second inning off Garner starter, Jacob Baker who pitched an outstanding game for 4 2/3 innings. But, the Warriors struck for a pair off Baker in the third to make it 7-2 after three.
Garner scored a single run in the fifth when Jackson Pleasant collected his third RBI of the game as he drove in Connor Torruella to make it 8-2 Trojans.
The Warriors chased Baker from the game in the bottom of the fifth with a pair of runs thanks to RBI singles Wes Luck and Garrett Johnson and all of a sudden it was a game again at 8-4 going to sixth.
It didn't take the Trojans long to respond as they came right back with three runs in the sixth as CJ Schmitt drove home a pair of runs on a two-run Home Run that towered over the light pole in left field. A couple batters later, Colin Perry got his second RBI of the game as he drove Jared Newbry home and after six complete, Garner had a 11-4 advantage.
The very next inning, Garner put the capper on the night as CJ Schmitt belted his second home run of the night, this one, a three-run shot also to left field put the dagger in the Warriors heart and Garner came away with a 14-4 win.
Garner (12-11, 7-6), has clinched a playoff spot for yet another season and will close the regular season at home on Senior Night when they host Harnett Central at 7:00.
Trojans Clinch Playoff Spot
