Cookson and Jones Combine for Shutout in 1-0 Win
The Redlegs (5-1) traveled out to Bob Evans Field in Xenia to take on the Wright Knights (2-6) in a double header on Sunday. Game one moved at a brisk pace and ended with Camden just edging the Knights by a final tally of 1-0. Game two would end up being suspended due to weather, the Redlegs currently lead 9-2.
There wasn’t much offense to speak of in the first game, as Knights starter Austin McCabe had the Redlegs bats in fits the entirety of the game. He allowed only 6 hits but would end up taking the loss as the Redlegs were able to scrape a single run together in the 3rd inning. Matt Morrison singled with one out, and later scored on a 2-out single by Brandon Howard.
The story of this game for the Redlegs was the pitching and defense. Michael Cookson turned in another outstanding performance as he tossed the first 5 innings, shutting out the Knights offense and allowed just 2 hits while striking out 6. Cookson is now 3-1 on the season and sports a dazzling 1.73 ERA. The Redlegs middle infield of Matt Morrison and Brandon Howard turned two well timed double plays behind Cookson to help eliminate any threat of runners advancing into scoring position.
Jesse Jones relieved Cookson in the 6th and was immediately greeted by back-to-back singles from the Knights. Jesse then quickly picked off the runner at 1st, leaving only the tying run at 3rd with one out. With the infield drawn in, the next batter hit a hard grounder to short that was snared by Matt Morrison who immediately initiated a run down between 3rd base and home plate. Camden made quick work of the runner as they made the tag at 3rd base to complete the 6-2-5-1-5 put out. Jesse then snared a come-backer and made the easy play at 1st to end the threat. Jones then cruised through the bottom of the 7th to preserve the win and pick up his second career save.
Game two was going the Redlegs way early as they put 9 runs on the board before mother nature intervened and forced a postponement. They currently lead the game 9-2, the game will resume at a later point this season.