2016 NHSI: Walton High Cruises Past Bingham

CARY, N.C.—Any drama from Wednesday’s game between Walton High of Marietta, Ga., and Bingham (Utah) High had started to disappear by the time Carter Kieboom batted for the second time in the first inning.

But Kieboom’s bases-clearing, three-run double finished off Walton’s nine-run first inning as Walton sent 14 batters to the plate in an easy 10-0 win in the opener for both teams at the National High School Invitational.

“One of the best things that happened today, in our first game in this big tournament to get a big lead. That took some of the pressure off Chris Hummel who had a heck of a day on the mound for us,” Walton coach Shane Amos said.

Walton righthander Chris Hummel didn’t let up after being given a massive cushion to work with as he cruised to the shutout. He was helped by an impressive infield defense. Hummel generated ground ball after ground ball while Walton’s infield handled most of the easy—and tough—chances with no problems.

[shareprints gallery_id=”164866″ gallery_type=”thumb_slider_desc” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”large” image_padding=”0″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” titles=”true” captions=”true” descriptions=”true” comments=”false” sharing=”true”]It was a fielding clinic for Kieboom, Walton’s shortstop, as he showed his ability to range to his left, plucking a couple of hard-hit grounders out of the air with ease. He also made a difficult play where he had to go to his backhand, plant and make a long throw.

“Our team has played good defense, that’s why we’ve been successful. Today was one of those days where Carter made the plays he was supposed to make and some that were very difficult,” Amos said.

Walton’s win sets up a Thursday matchup of two of the better high school hitters in the 2016 draft, as No. 2-ranked Walton and Kieboom will face Chaminade Prep (Canoga Park, Calif.) and outfielder Blake Rutherford.