Kemper Academy Rams take win 14-4 over Kemper County

Top left: In the first inning, Rams right fielder, Eli Miles (16), makes a diving attempt on a short fly ball. Top right: Rams first-baseman, Cotton Kynerd (2), takes a throw on a pick-off attempt, as the Wildcats' Kendetryon Backstrom (1) dives safely back to the bag. Bottom left: KA's Landon Dickson (17) dives safely back to the bag, as Wildcat first-baseman, E.J. Jackson (20), takes a throw on a pickoff play. Bottom right: Rams catcher, Kix Wilson, takes a low pitch as the Wildcats' Kenyan Jones (19) stands in at the plate.

Mike Robinson, special to the Messenger

Posted Wednesday, April 20, 2022 12:00 am

By Cooper Sanders

The Kemper Academy Rams picked up their first two baseball wins of the season with wins over the Meridian Homeschool Flyers and the Kemper County Wildcats.

Zane Knight took the mound in the Rams 14-4 win over Kemper County on Tuesday. Knight only gave up one hit and one walk, while striking out five in the two innings he pitched. Eli Weaver also struck out five in his three innings pitched.

The bats were hot for the Rams, as they collected nine hits through five innings gave them the run-rule win. Knight, Weaver, and Kinard each had two hits, while the other hits belonged to Kix Wilson, Cooper Thornton, and Casen Holmes. The Rams combined for 17 steals as a team in the game.

On Thursday the Rams faced Meridian Homeschool, who they defeated 13-7.

Landon Dixon took the mound for the first four innings, allowing just seven hits. Coach Colt Kilpatrick said he left Dixon in for too long, as he played lights out before starting to give up runs in the fourth. Dixon struck out six batters. Knight came in to relive Dixon and finished the game to get the win.

Knight allowed two hits and only gave up two runs while striking out four. Weaver led with three hits against the Flyers, including a double. Kynerd also had a double, with two hits and the rest of the Rams offense either scored or had at least one hit.

The Rams combined for 11 stolen bases. Coach Colt Kilpatrick said the team is headed in the right direction. “We started out slow offensively and defensively,” Kilpatrick said, “We figured out how to get some runs on the board and play solid defense. I think we are on the come up.”