Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Switzerland County). Everything went their way against the Shawe Memorial Hilltoppers on Saturday as they made off with a 23-2 win. The Pacers have beaten the Hilltoppers the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Hilltoppers has come to flipping the script.
Kemper Kitts was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched 2.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs but no hits. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Switzerland County is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 1-2 otherwise. Kitts was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Zayne Smith looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances.
Jackson Sparks
| 04/26/25 vs Shawe Memorial | 4 |
| 04/21/25 @ Madison | 3 |
| 04/02/25 @ Carroll County | 3 |
| 05/14/24 @ Trimble County | 2 |
| 05/10/24 vs Clarksville | 2 |
Back at the plate, Jackson Sparks was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Roman Hite, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Switzerland County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .545. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .321 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Switzerland County pushed their record up to 5-2 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Shawe Memorial, they are on a nine-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-8.
We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Switzerland County is set to take on their familiar foe Southwestern at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Pacers 4, the Rebels 3.5) so any runs scored will be well earned. Meanwhile, Shawe Memorial will square off against rival South Ripley at 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
