Scott’s blast lifts Burlington to win

Every time McHenry responded, Burlington Central answered back. Tanner Scott’s home run leading off the fifth inning was the final answer, sending the Rockets to a 4-3 nonconference baseball victory on Rocket Hill Wednesday.

The Warriors had tied the game on Pat Maher’s 2-run homer in the top of the inning, but Scott struck the first pitch from reliever Jamie Rammel over the left-field fence to put Central (6-2) ahead to stay.

Sam Klein (3-0) pitched 5 innings for the victory. Chris Mull finished for the save.

“Their leadoff hitter hit a pretty good pitch, a changeup, out of the park,” said Central coach Kyle Nelson. “He kept his hands back and did a nice job on that, and Tanner answers him with one of his own.”

After cruising through the first three innings, Klein ran into trouble in the middle innings, but escaped with minimal damage each time. He left 2 runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings.

“It was a little frustrating because I had two good innings and then one where I walked a few guys,” he said. “It’s just a matter of control, getting my pitches in and throwing consistently for a strike.”

“He battled and minimized damage when he was struggling in a couple of innings,” said Nelson. “If you can minimize damage when you’re struggling, that’s the sign of a pretty good outing.”

Leadoff hitter Ray Hunnicutt doubled and scored on Klein’s single to put the Rockets ahead early. After the Warriors tied it on Alex Oberout’s single, the Rockets immediately went back in front. Hunnicutt’s second double of the game scored 2 runs in the fourth.

McHenry tied it again on Maher’s home run, but Scott’s blast provided the final blow.

Klein walked four and struck out six, allowing 5 of the Warriors’ 7 hits.

McHenry starter Mike Kelly was solid through 4 innings, allowing just 5 hits and 3 runs in the no-decision.