Jake Lunnen throws three-hitter as Smoky Mountain downs Enka

Jake Lunnen threw a three-hit shutout as Smoky Mountain defeated Enka 3-0 Friday in Western Athletic Conference baseball action. - Herald photo by Carey Phillips

"Jake threw the ball really well inside against them," Coach Tim Hawkins said. "They have a young team, and I'm sure they hadn't seen a pitcher come inside as hard as he was throwing." Lunnen (3-2) struck out nine and walked three.

Hawkins added that the team played good defense behind Lunnen.

The Mustangs (9-4, 4-2) scored the only run they would need in the second. Trent Dillard singled, went to third on a double by Joseph Ensley and scored on Matt Hopkins' infield out.

The Jets' only serious scoring threat came in the seventh when they loaded the bases with two out. Lunnen got Phillip Bohannon to pop to short to end the game.

The contest was delayed for 18 minutes after the second inning due to rain.

"We hit the ball hard, but Enka made some outstanding plays," Hawkins said. "We couldn't get a big hit to break it open."

Ensley went two of three at the plate, and Melton was two of four.

Clint McCoy was the losing pitcher. He surrendered nine hits and no walks while striking out four.

The Mustang JVs are 6-5-1 after a 9-6 win at Enka. Stephen Karby (3-0) was the winning pitcher.

"We played real well and are hitting our stride right now," Coach Bill Rice said.

Patrick Brady, who was two of three, and Karby, who was two of four, both hit home runs. Jarrod Frizzell was three of three with two doubles. Jared Day went three of four with a triple. Brody Crawford was two of four with a double and three RBIs.

Back to Sports: 04/05/01.