COLUMBIA — Midlands STEM used a pair of first-inning outbursts to sweep a doubleheader against C.A. Johnson on April 24, winning 15-0 and 17-3 to improve the Mavericks to 3-12 on the season.
In game one, Midlands STEM ended the contest early by mercy rule, scoring all 15 of its runs in the first inning. The Mavericks’ discipline at the plate proved to be the deciding factor, as the team drew 12 walks over the two-inning game.
Leahman Knotts provided an RBI double. Kane Allen added an RBI single. Colton Comer earned the win on the mound, allowing just one hit and striking out four over two shutout innings. Aiden Watkins and Allen combined for four of the team’s five stolen bases.
Game two followed a similar script, as the Mavericks plated 13 runs in the first inning before adding four more in the second to secure the 17-3 win.
Comer highlighted the second game with an inside-the-park grand slam in the second inning. He finished the game with four RBIs. Jake Younts finished 2-for-3 with five RBIs.
The Mavericks benefited again from 12 walks issued by C.A. Johnson pitchers. Knotts earned the win in the second game, striking out three in 1 1/3 innings of work.
The Mavericks’ offense produced 32 total runs across the two abbreviated games, a season-high scoring stretch for the program.
The Mavericks return to action with another double-header on Friday at Lee Central. The first game is set to begin at 5:30.