Kirk dominates on mound in Liberty's 11-0 victory

David Kirk pitched four innings of shutout ball for Liberty on Thursday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Liberty High School baseball team won its league game against West Valley 11-0 at home Thursday afternoon.

The first three Bison runs came in the first two innings on two singles and a wild pitch, starting them off with a 3-0 lead before the third inning. Meanwhile starting pitcher David Kirk didn’t allow any hits in those innings, shutting down West Valley’s offense.

The third inning more than doubled the Bison lead with two singles and two doubles and one score on a wild pitch, bringing the score to 7-0.

Kirk continued to hold the offense, even with a few hits and walks allowed, keeping the Mustangs from getting on the board. Head coach Scott Montgomery said he was pleased with Kirk’s performance, while also excited to see how he can improve.

“It certainly wasn’t his best stuff out there, but he did his job,” he said. “One of the things we preach here is that even when you don’t have your best stuff, you have to go out and compete. I think he did a very good job at that for the most part.”

Montgomery also noted that while Kirk is a new player to the varsity squad, he sees how the influence of the returning players has helped Kirk win the mental game and stay in it even when the pitches aren’t all connecting the way he hoped.

Kirk agreed, and added that the offensive performance from his teammates helped alleviate the pressure he may have felt.

“It feels awesome to have this win, and it’s great having a team that puts up all the runs on the board,” he said. “And my guys on defense did everything perfect and they also kept hitting the ball, so it was great.”

Those hits tallied all the way to 12 by the end of the game, the most notable perhaps being a two-run homer from Ian Slater in the bottom of the fifth. That ended the game by the mercy rule.

Overall, Kirk ended the game with four innings pitched, three strikeouts, three hits and four walks, while his reliever, Logan Paad, pitched the final inning, threw one strikeout, allowing one hit and one walk.

Slater led the team’s offense with three hits in four at-bats (single, triple, home run) with three runs and two RBI’s. Hayden Hendricks had two hits and two RBI’s.

Liberty is now 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league. Their next game is set for March 12 at 3:15 p.m. at home against Perris.

Ian Slater had three hits, three runs scored and two RBIs. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

Hayden Hendricks makes a diving catch in the outfield for the Bison. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 

Logan Paad pitched one inning of relief for the Bison. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Rowan Baynes tries to beat out a ground ball to first base. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)