GALLATIN – The Hendersonville High baseball team’s seniors have waited their turn.
The Commandos are making the most of the opportunity, improving to 19-3 with Tuesday evening’s 5-2 win over Gallatin at David Alexander Field.
Hendersonville High sophomore Austin Mays runs to first base after laying down a second-inning bunt as Gallatin junior catcher Bailey Russell prepares to pick up the bunt.
Hendersonville returns just two everyday starters – senior Cooper Brenning and pitcher/designated hitter Grant Williams – from last season’s state-tournament squad.
“We lost personnel, but we are returning a very determined senior class,” Commando senior shortstop Andrew Larson said. “We’ve sat behind a very talented senior class. Now, it’s our turn. We’re ready. It’s nice to have it for ourselves this year.”
Hendersonville (3-0 in the District 9-AAA North Division) scored all five of its runs in the second inning. After sophomore Brett Coker drew a bases-loaded walk, Larson singled in two runs, and Williams followed with a two-run double.
Commando senior Will Wacaser tossed five shutout innings before Green Wave junior Bailey Russell singled in freshman Brady Harris in the sixth inning.
Gallatin High senior first baseman Carlos Hernandez attempts to make an over-the-shoulder catch of a first-inning foul pop-up.
Gallatin junior Andy Denning doubled in freshman Matt Bradley in the bottom of the seventh.
Wacaser (4-1) – who threw a no-hitter in a win over Portland in his last outing – scattered nine hits, issued one base on balls and struck out 13 hitters.
Hendersonville High senior pitcher Will Wacaser delivers a fourth-inning pitch. Wacaser picked up the complete-game victory on Tuesday evening, scattering nine hits while striking out 13 hitters.
“When you come into our district, you know you’re going to face a No. 1 and No. 2 pitcher every week,” Green Wave head coach Mark Wilson said. “Hendersonville’s guy – Wacaser – wow … he pitched a great game. Hat’s off to him. That’s what you get when you play Hendersonville. That’s why they’re in the state tournament last year.”
Gallatin senior starting pitcher James Rockwell also went the distance, allowing just five hits. The right-hander walked four and struck out 11.
Gallatin High senior James Rockwell delivers a first-inning pitch. Rockwell pitched a complete game on Tuesday evening, allowing five hits and four base on balls while striking out 11 hitters.
The Green Wave (10-8 overall, 0-3 in the 9-AAA North Division) played without junior standout Jordan Mason, who suffered a wrist injury in last Friday’s 7-6 loss at Harpeth. Another returning starter for the Wave – senior Billy Campbell – has also played minimally as of late due to a quadriceps injury.
Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.
Hendersonville 050 000 0 – 5 5 0
Gallatin 000 001 1 – 2 9 2
Will Wacaser and Cooper Brenning; James Rockwell and Bailey Russell. WP – Wacaser (4-1). LP – Rockwell. Records: Hendersonville 19-3 overall, 3-0 in the District 9-AA North Division; Gallatin 10-8, 0-3.