By Richard Carrier
Contributing Writer

High School baseball in Powhatan County officially opened with Blessed Sacrament Huguenot’s thumping of Amelia Academy last Wednesday. In their 13-1 win over the Patriots, the Knights showed solid defense, good pitching and effective bats- three traits of a solid contender for Virginia Commonwealth Conference honors.

Senior Connor Paul got the opening start and cruised through four innings. His work included setting down seven Amelia Academy batters on strikes. In the mercy rule shortened contest, sophomore Nathaniel Settle assumed the closer role in the fifth inning. Settle shut out the Patriots and chalked up one strike out.

Connor Paul was almost as effective at the plate as he was on the mound. Paul went two for four, batted in two runs and scored two. He also stole three bases, always a integral part of Coach James Poore’s offense.

Senior Ryan Bendele was a perfect two for two at the dish and plated four runs to lead the Knights. His two hits were both doubles.

Younger brother Stephen Bendele was an effective two for three at the plate and scored two runs. The freshman contributed a double.

Sophomore T.J Dobrucky’s two for three at the plate included a triple. He also scored two runs and added one RBI.