Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
PORTSMOUTH — The Paint Valley Bearcats added a piece of sectional hardware to the school’s trophy case on Saturday and, in the process, handed coach Shayne Combs his 200th career victory.
In a 5-1 win over Clay in a Division IV sectional championship, Combs’ Bearcats were deadlocked in a scoreless tie headed into the fourth inning. But they broke that streak, taking a 1-0 lead in the fourth, before piling on four more in the fifth.
And with ace senior Brock Blanton on the mound, that was all they needed to nail down a win.
“I am extremely proud of how much this team has continued to improve throughout the season,” Combs said. “The 200th win is a representation of the great kids I have been given the opportunity to coach. I am proud that all 200 have been at Paint Valley, and I am thankful for the coaches and the people who have surrounded me every step of the way.”
Blanton threw seven innings and allowed an earned run on eight hits while whiffing 12 hitters. That performance continues a putrid streak of quality starts for the Eastern Kentucky commit.
In his past five starts, Blanton has pitched five complete games — three of which were shutouts. In that time, he’s allowed two runs while striking out 56 batters.
At the plate, Trent Mettler was 2-for-3 with two runs while Beau Blankenship finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Connot Free also helped out, going 1-for-4 with a run and two RBIs.
The Bearcats will now meet with Eastern Meigs in a Division IV district final at 6 p.m., Monday at VA Memorial Stadium.