By Justin Sokeland
WBIW.com
BEDFORD – Grandpa Jim would have loved it. Carter Bennett, playing in memory of his late mentor, pitched until his right arm felt like it was falling off, displaying the grit and fight of the cancer survivors that were honored.
Bennett, making his first appearance on the mound this season, was thrust into a take-one-for-the-team role. After Bedford North Lawrence burned through its entire pitching staff during the first three games this week, the Stars needed a deep, long outing. Not only did Bennett – normally an outfielder or second baseman – sacrifice, he shined.
Playing with an emotional advantage, Bennett went the distance as BNL conquered Trinity Lutheran 12-2 in six innings on Thursday, a perfect ending for the annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser that collects money for the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services. Both teams used pink wooden bats during the first time through the batting order, and the Stars (7-3) got back in the black as they ended a two-game skid.
Each player and coach had a special person in mind as they remembered their departed loves ones or paid tribute to those who are currently battling the dreaded disease. For Bennett, it was his grandfather, who lives on in his memory seven years after his passing. Grandfathers who teach their kids the game have that impact.
“He would definitely be proud,” Bennett said. “He practiced with me a lot when I was a kid, he helped me a lot with hitting. He and my dad were always there, supporting me through everything. He would be really proud.”
Bennett didn’t do anything extraordinary, he just threw strikes. He struck out five, limited the walks, scattered five hits on 98 pitches. After the Cougars scored twice in the second, they were silenced.
“I haven’t thrown a ton of pitches, but I know I can throw strikes,” Bennett said. “That’s what I needed, that’s what I did. I was ready for it. I knew I didn’t have to throw really hard or a bunch of off-speed stuff. Throw it down the middle and let the defense get outs.”
BNL’s offense also did heavy lifting. The Stars scored three in the first, with Bennett helping himself with a two-out, two-run double and Cade Mungle following with a RBI single. After Lutheran scored, BNL kept up the attack with Kline Woodward’s run-scoring triple to deep right and Bennett’s sacrifice fly in the third.
BNL scored twice in the fifth as Ryker Hughes and Cal Gates doubled during that rally, then triggered the mercy-rule ending with five runs in the sixth. Woodward (two-run double), Tyler Stigall (RBI single), Zade Carter (run-scoring double) and Gavin Sherrill (walk-off RBI single) finished it off.
Woodward had two extra-base hits and three RBIs, and Bennett drove in three runs. His bat was big, but his effort on the mound was even bigger.
“That’s what the doctor ordered right there,” BNL coach Jeff Callahan said. “He threw strikes. When you make a team put the ball in play, you have a chance. He did a fantastic job. To get a win was what we needed, to get that pep in our step.”
BNL collected $5,718 for the designated charity, pushing its 10-year total over $51,000.
“It’s a great thing,” Callahan said. “It’s great to support people here in Lawrence County, see the money stay here and help people in their battle.”
The Stars will finish their five-game week with a trip to Jeffersonville on Friday.
