Mac Kimel ’22 had been anticipating his next start for what felt like an eternity. Christ School varsity baseball was long overdue for a home win, too.
Everyone got what they had been waiting for Wednesday.
One year and a day after his last appearance (due to injury) for the Greenies, Mac got the nod to be their starter for the 2022 season opener. The left-hander from Durham, N.C., struck out eight Franklin batters in only three innings of work, combining with relievers Reese Ballard ‘24 and Jackson Ogren ‘22 to pitch a three-hit shutout.
Chase Gribble ‘23 drove in four runs with a double and a triple. Brody Raleigh ‘23, Webb Hughes ‘22, and Jack Young ‘22 also had two hits in a 13-0 win.
Wednesday was the first victory at home for varsity baseball since May 5, 2019. The drought was partly exacerbated by the pandemic – Christ School never got to play at home in 2020 before the season was cancelled by the NCISAA out of concern for safety.
Back to Wednesday, the Greenies had 11 team hits and cycled through four different Franklin pitchers. After a scoreless first inning for both sides, Christ School plated six runs in the second inning, six more in the third, and one run in the fourth.
With darkness setting in, the lights that were installed at Bourne Field in the offseason got their first usage Wednesday. The game was cut short after five innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
The Greenies are back home Friday for another nonconference 4:30 p.m. game, this time against Covenant School out of Matthews, N.C.
More photos from Wednesday can be found at this link.
