Cooper Wilkins became the third South Granville Viking to pitch a perfect game. He did so in the 13-0 no-hitter win over the Webb Warriors on March 11. He retired all 15 batters in the five inning contest. He threw a total of 45 strikes in the contest according to Gene Hollowell, statistician, for the Vikings. Wilkins fanned 11 batters.
According to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association record book, Wilkins should join Josh Darroch (2007) and Chris Outland (1995) with the prestigious accomplishment.
The Vikings rolled out to a three run lead in the visitor’s half of the first inning.
Vani Hernandez-Ovando was hit by a pitch, then stole second for the Vikings. Hernandez-Ovando moved into scoring position by stealing third.
Evan Olson-Thornburg was hit by a pitch and took first to put runners on the corners.
South Granville put the first run on the board when the Webb pitcher was called for a balk. Hernandez-Ovando scored and Olson-Thornburg moved to second.
Wilkins’ triple allowed Olson-Thornburg to score from second. Wilkins scored on a ground out by Jacob Roberts.
South Granville led 3-0 going into the top of the third inning.
With one out, Roberts singled and move to second with a steal.
Noah Edwards’ double sent Roberts home to give the Vikings a four run advantage. Edwards broke toward second base just as Greyson Vacher bunted the ball. Edwards was able to score and Vacher was safe at first.
The Vikings were aggressive running the bases as Vacher stole second. He moved to third when Brooks Newman reached first on an error. Waylon Harp was hit by a pitch and this loaded the bases for the Vikings.
Vacher scored on a passed ball and Newman moved to third and Harp stood at second.
Newman scored on a ground out by Hernandez-Ovando and Harp moved to third. Harp was able to score on a bunt from Samuel Fuller.
The Vikings now had an 8-0 lead.
South Granville continued to tack on runs in the top of the fourth inning.
With one out, Mason Wilkins was issued a walk. He stole second and third. Mason Wilkins scored on a wild pitch.
Vacher stepped into the batter’s box and drew a walk. Vacher stole second and after a pitching change for the Warriors, stole third. In the attempt to get Vacher out at third, a throwing error allowed him to score to give the Vikings 10 run lead.
South Granville added to the lead in the top of the fifth inning.
With two down, Olson-Thornburg singled. He stole second and third for the Vikings. Cooper Wilkins and Hayden Cearnel, each drew a walk to load the bases.
Mason Wilkins was issued a walk that pushed Olson-Thornburg across the plate.
Vacher followed with a single that allowed Cooper Wilkins and Jayden Cearnel to score.
The Vikings shut out Webb with a 13-0 score.
South Granville stands at 2-5 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. Webb has an 0-3 record and is 0-1 in conference action.
South Granville statistics: Mason Wilkins (RBI), Greyson Vacher (2 for 3, 3 RBIs), Vani Hernandez-Ovando (RBI), Samuel Fuller (1 for 3, RBI), Cooper Wilkins (1 for 3, 3B, RBI), Jacob Roberts (1 for 2, RBI), Evan Olson-Thornburg (1 for 2), Waylon Harp (1 for 3) and Noah Edwards (1 for 2, 2B, RBI).
Cooper Wilkins was the winning pitcher. He faced 15 batters and struck out 11.
Webb pitching: Seth Reavis worked three innings allowed six hits, walked one and hit five batters with pitches.
Lucas Matthews worked .1 inning and walked two batters.
Austin Livengood worked 1.2 innings allowed two hits, walked four and struck out three Vikings.