The Community R-6 Trojans didn't care if temperatures were in the 30s on Monday in Laddonia or about their state Final Four team a year ago. They cared about starting this year off right and did with a 15-0 three-inning victory at home against Wellsville-Middletown.
After striking out three in a shutout third inning, Kyler Swaim cleared the bases with a double for the Trojans to walk-off early winners. Swaim finished with three RBI and no hits allowed in his first varsity start in the lineup and varsity inning on the mound. No. 1 pitcher and reigning all-state player Mason Carroll had already struck out four in two shutout innings, only allowing two balls in play that were fielded by him, to contribute to the combined no-hitter.
Community at the plate finished with 10 hits, including five doubles, and had junior Drake Welch, sophomore Cooper Rohan and freshman Nik Krider each drive in two RBI to follow the sophomore Swaim's three. Brant Cope was 2-for-3 with a RBI double, and Eli Johnson went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
Community plays at Clopton at 5 p.m. tomorrow in Clarksville.
Look for the full story along with a season preview for the Trojans and other area teams in the Wednesday, March 20, 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.