GRANGER — Senior Spencer Hanson was the pitching and hitting leader for undefeated Woodward-Granger’s victory over Creston (9-14) Saturday afternoon.
Hanson had three hits, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning to opening up a 3-0 lead, and struck out seven Panthers during a 5-1 victory. Hanson lifted his season record to 7-0 as the Hawks, ranked No. 7 in Class 2A, improved to 24-0 for the season.
The Panthers’ lone run came in the top of the sixth inning after Jaden Driskell drew a walk. Courtesy runner Rylan Luther advanced on a passed ball and scored on Dustin Merritt’s single.
Eli Loudon was Creston’s leader at the plate with a double and single.
Hanson had three of Woodward-Granger’s eight hits and finished with three RBIs. Matt Buch also had an RBI hit for the Hawks.
Beau Barncastle pitched for Creston, relieved by Merritt in the fifth during the Hawks’ four-run outburst.
“Beau was pitching a good game. That home run in the fifth put them up 3-0, but before that we were right there with them,” said Creston assistant coach Brandon Phipps. Head coach Steve Birchard was away for a family commitment.
“Their pitchers threw well,” Phipps said. “Their starter worked quick and was pretty effective in hitting the corners all day.”
UP NEXT — The Panthers go from one ranked opponent to another today in traveling to St. Marys for JV and varsity action. Martensdale-St. Marys (28-2) is ranked No. 3 in Class 1A.
Woodward-Granger 5, Creston 1
R H E
Cr 000 001 0 — 1 6 2
W-G 100 040 x — 5 8 1
Cr: Beau Barncastle 3K 6BB, Dustin Merritt (5) 1K 0BB and Jared Driskell. WG: Spencer Hanson 7K 1BB, Reese Jamison (5) 1K 1BB and Matt Rhodes. W — Hanson (7-0). L— Barncastle (1-3). HR — WG: Hanson. 3B — none. 2B — Cr: Eli Loudon. WG: Hanson. RBI — Cr: Merritt 1. WG: Hanson 3, Matt Buch 1. Multiple hitters — Cr: Loudon 2. WG: Hanson 3.