The Henryetta Knights experienced both sides of the game this week, falling in a tough shutout on Monday before responding with a hard-fought victory Tuesday to earn a split in their series against the Kellyville Ponies.
— Kellyville 5, Henryetta 0
The Knights struggled to generate offense in Monday’s opener, as Kellyville used a strong first inning and dominant pitching performance to secure a 5-0 victory.
Kellyville wasted no time setting the tone. In the top of the first inning, Dino Battenfield delivered a two-run double, followed by an RBI groundout from Kody Moseby to give the Ponies an early 3-0 lead.
That cushion proved more than enough for Kellyville starter Asher Thornbrue, who was nearly untouchable on the mound. Thornbrue scattered just three hits across seven shutout innings, striking out 12 and walking two in a commanding complete- game effort.
Henryetta’s offense was limited throughout the contest, with Blaze Hill, Boston Morris and Hunter Bowdler accounting for the team’s only hits.
Bowdler took the loss on the mound for the Knights, pitching four and two-thirds innings. He allowed three runs on three hits while striking out seven, though six walks helped Kellyville sustain offensive pressure.
The Ponies finished with six hits, getting one apiece from Dax Thornbrue, Tyler Goins, Battenfield, Jackson Jones, Asher Thornbrue and Kayden Harjo. Kellyville also showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks, with Josh Barnett and Braylon Nance each earning two.
Defensively, Kellyville was flawless, committing no errors and turning a double play. Nance led the way in the field with 12 chances.
— Henryetta 5, Kellyville 4
The Knights flipped the script Tuesday, showing resilience and timely hitting to edge Kellyville 5-4 in a tightly contested matchup.
Kellyville again struck early, plating two runs in the first inning on a Braylon Nance double down the left field line and a sacrifice situation that allowed Dax Thornbrue to score.
Henryetta responded in the third inning, tying the game behind a Will Perez single and a Hunter Bowdler double. The momentum carried into the fourth, when Perez delivered again with a clutch two-run single to give the Knights a 4-2 advantage.
Kellyville battled back to keep things close, but Henryetta’s pitching and defense held firm down the stretch.
Haiden Kaler earned the win for the Knights, working five and two-thirds innings while allowing four hits and three runs. The left-hander struck out eight and walked four in a strong outing. Boston Morris came on in relief to secure the save.
At the plate, Henryetta pounded out nine hits, with Perez and Kaler leading the charge with two hits each. Perez drove in two runs in a 2-for-3 performance, while Kaler added pressure on the bases with two stolen bases.
The Knights were aggressive throughout, swiping five bases as a team and consistently putting pressure on Kellyville’s defense.
For the Ponies, Kody Moseby led the offense with a 3-for-4 showing at the plate. Battenfield, Jackson Jones, Moseby and Nance each recorded an RBI. Kellyville also turned a double play defensively.
Henryetta will look to build on that momentum as they prepare for their next matchup Monday against county rival Okmulgee.
