Barnett's four-hitter leads Valley to 1-0 shutout win over Minford
LUCASVILLE — Nolan Barnett fired a four-hit shutout to lead the Valley Indians past Minford 1-0 on Monday in Southern Ohio Conference III baseball action at Valley High School. The win puts Valley at 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference and puts them squarely in the hunt for either a share of the SOC III title or the conference crown outright. Minford had a chance to clinch the title outright on Monday, but the loss puts them back to 13-2 and 7-2.
The Falcons still have an opportunity to clinch a share of the SOC III Championship with a win over South Webster on Friday, May 8 in Minford, and with help could also win the league outright. The only time Barnett faced more than three Minford hitters was in the top of the fourth inning when four Falcons came to the plate. “It was all about hitting my spots,” Barnett said.
“I try to put my team in the best position to make plays. I just throw it over the plate and let my defense make plays. ” The Valley defense was on display and turned two double plays to get Barnett out of potential trouble.
Right fielder Nick Queen made an over-the-shoulder catch and tuned and fired to first base to double off the Minford runner in the top of the first inning. Then shortstop Thad Lansing stabbed a grounder up the middle and stepped on second base and fired to first for the inning-ending play in the top of the second. “(Barnett), in my opinion, has been the best player in the conference all year long,” Valley head coach Nolan Crabtree said.
“He hits, he pitches, and he’s shut out this team (Minford) two times. That says something. He pounds the zone and has control of four different pitches.