Mattoon’s Johnson, Charleston’s Hess excel in pitching debuts

Meade Johnson shut down Champaign Central for the first four innings, and Blain Powers drove in two runs to lead Mattoon to a 5-3 victory in boys baseball action Thursday evening.

Johnson limited Central to one unearned run while striking out five in his first start of the season for Mattoon (1-1).

Pitching	IP	#P	H	R	ER	SO	BB
Meade Johnson	4.0	61	1	1	0	5	2
Austin Baker	3.0	66	3	2	2	3	3

Besides pitching the final three innings to secure the win, Austin Baker also went 2-for-3 with a run scored, RBI and a walk.

Mattoon next plays Richland County on Tuesday.

Mattoon 5, Central 3

Central	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	3	4	1
Mattoon	2	0	0	0	1	2	X	5	7	2

CHS’s Hess 3-hits Robinson in debut

James Hess struck out seven, scattered three hits and did not allow a run across four innings in his first start, which enabled Charleston to a 10-0 victory over Robinson.

It is the Trojans’ fourth shutout in five games.

Charleston’s Dane Herrington collected two hits and drove in two runs while teammate Luke Landrus also had two RBIs.

William Applegate pitched a scoreless fifth inning to preserve the victory in a game shortened for the run rule.

Charleston 10, Robinson 0