Bobcats make needed plays to beat Panthers, get early leg up in SOC race

FRANKLIN FURNACE — The Green Bobcats’ could only score one run on Wednesday.

It proved to be plenty for Jon Knapp.

The Green senior right-handed pitcher fired a two-hit shutout as the Bobcats got a key Southern Ohio Conference 1 win by blanking the Portsmouth Clay Panthers 1-0.

The University of Rio Grande recruit struck out 13 and walked two in his complete game win for the Bobcats (7-0, 2-0).

“Once again, Jon has delivered very well. He is off to a hot start this season on the bump,” said Green coach Dave Shoupe.

Evan Rider pitched well in defeat as he gave up six hits, struck out two and walked one. Rider also had the only two hits for Clay (4-2, 1-1).

The only run of the game came in the bottom of the second inning when Knapp led off with a double and Kase McIntyre followed with a base hit.

“Offensively, we had the least amount of strikeouts in a game than we’ve had all season. We put the ball in play, we just hit a lot of ‘at ‘em’ balls,” said Shoupe.

Both teams’ defenses were outstanding as neither team committed an error.

“Our defense played well and their defenders made the plays. That was a clean defensive game from both sides,” said Shoupe.

The fourth inning would be the Panthers best chance to tie the game up with two outs but came up short.

Jackson Hannan drew a walk and Colby Secrist was hit by a pitch after lengthy at bat. But the next batter would hit a routine grounder to Riddick Jenkins who threw over to first for the final out to end the threat.

McIntyre went 1-2 with the RBI, Noah McMackin was 1-2 while Mason Neal, Jenkins, Gabe Blevins and Knapp were all 1-3.

The Bobcats travel to Symmes Valley on Thursday.

Ports. Clay 000 000 0 = 0 2 0

Green 010 000 x = 1 6 0

Evan RIder and Noah Woods. Jon Knapp and Noah McMackin. W-Knapp (IP-7.0, H-2, R-0, K-13, BB-1). L-Rider (IP-6.0, H-6, R-1, ER-1, K-2, BB-1). Hitting–Clay: E Rider 2-3; Green: Mason Neal 1-3, Riddick Jenkins 1-3, Gabe Blevins 1-3, Jon Knapp 1-3 2B, Kase McIntyre 1-2 RBI, Noah McMackin 1-2.