The Barton Community College baseball team continued its torrid offensive stretch Wednesday afternoon, rolling to a 28-5 seven-inning run rule victory over the Bethany College junior varsity squad at Jimmy Lawson-Danny Biggs Field.
After surrendering a run in the top of the first, the Cougars responded immediately, sending 13 hitters to the plate and erupting for nine runs in the bottom half. Kyle Walker ignited the surge with a triple after Hunter Thoms was hit by a pitch to begin the inning and later capped the frame with a solo home run, while Rhett Winchester also added a solo shot as part of seven extra-base hits in the inning.
The offensive barrage never slowed as Barton scored in all six of its plate appearances, finishing with 28 runs on 23 hits, including 16 extra-base hits. The 28 runs marked the second-highest single-game total in program history. Thirteen different Cougars recorded a hit in the dominant performances, with 12 different players driving in a run.
Barton improves to 9-0 on the season while Bethany College JV falls to 0-3. Due to anticipated inclement weather over the weekend, the Cougars' upcoming contests have been moved to Monday and Tuesday, hosting Northeast Community College on Monday before welcoming Highland Community College on Tuesday. First pitch for both doubleheaders is slated for 1:00 p.m. at Jimmy Lawson-Denny Biggs Field.
Walker led the offensive charge, finishing 3-for-3 with a triple, home run and three RBIs. Carter Helm went 4-for-5 with three doubles and two RBIs, while Jaxon Case drove in a game-high four runs. Micah McGavern added three hits, including a solo home run.
Barton also received contributions from throughout the roster, as Karston Wall recorded his first collegiate hit and RBI, Jordan Raposo picked up his first career RBI, and Bruin Sampson tallied his first collegiate hit while driving in the first two runs of his career.
On the mound Cayman Cook earned the victory in his first collegiate start, working three innings, while allowing two runs on three hits and striking out four. The bullpen handled the final four frames, surrendering three runs The Cougars utilized multiple relievers over the final four innings to secure the seven-inning run-rule victory.