Published: July 24, 2008 09:54 am            

Ponies advance

Staff Report

CARBONDALE — Grant Garrett tossed a complete-game three-hitter Tuesday to help the Jefferson County Sports Authority travel PONY team to an 8-2 win against Harrisburg in regional play.

The win came a day after Mt. Vernon defeated Murphysboro 9-3 in the tourney’s first round.

Against Harrisburg, Mt. Vernon (24-4) got out of a bases-loaded jam as with no outs in the first inning as Garrett coaxed a groundout that resulted in a force out at the plate before striking out the next two Harrisburg batters.

“Grant stepped up big time for us,” said PONY coach George Xanders. “What a performance.”

The Mt. Vernon offense took advantage of the team’s fortune in the next inning. Dalton Walker was hit by a pitch to open the second before Mark Schmidt singled down the third-base line and Zane Xanders connected on a sharp line drive to right field that allowed Walker to score and sent Schmidt to third.

Darius Box then grounded into a double play, but Schmidt scored to give Mt. Vernon a 2-0 lead. Jared Anthis doubled over the right fielder’s head and Landon Thomas singled him in as Mt. Vernon flew ahead 3-0.

The Kiwanis never trailed in the game, with Garrett scattering three hits.

Schmidt led Mt. Vernon’s 10-hit attack by going 3 for 3 with a double and two RBIs, while Zack Jones finished 2 for 4 with a double.

Garrett helped his own cause by going 1 for 4 at the plate with a double and an RBI, while Xanders and Thomas both went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Box and Anthis both finished 1 for 3 at the plate.

Mt. Vernon will meet Benton at 8 p.m. tonight at Carbondale.

        

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