Prep Baseball: Cottrell, Pirates unplug the Chargers 7-0

Clay Cottrell pitched seven scoreless innings as the Verndale Pirates exploded for 17 hits en route to unplugging the host Brandon-Evansville Chargers in non-conference action Friday.

Cody Yungbauer paced the Pirates’ hitting attack, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and drove in two runs. Dallas Ehrmantraut went 2-4 with a run and two RBIs.

Cottrell surrendered just four hits, struck out five and walked three on the hill and was equally impressive at the plate. He went 4-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and knocked in two RBIs.

Of note, Cottrell capped a great week on the diamond. The senior finished 5-for-9 with three double and five RBIs in three games. He has accepted admission to the Naval Academy in Annapolis after declining an offer to attend West Point.

Verndale (3-5) played error-free ball and looks to reach .500 with a conference doubleheader at New York Mills 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Editors Note: I would like to congratulate Clay Cottrell on his admission to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. It’s a great honor to have been chosen—not just to one—but two top military colleges. Congratulations, you have done your school and community proud.

Verndale at Brandon/Evansville on April 30
Pirates 7, Chargers 0
Verndale 2 0 2 0 0 3 0—7 17 0
Brandon-Evansville 0 0 0 0 0 0 0—0 4 3
WP: Clay Cottrell (Verndale)
LP: Tyler Woods (Brandon-Evansville)
Verndale—Cody Yungbauer 4-4, (2)2B, 2RBI; Clay Cottrell 4-4, 2B, 2R, 2RBI; Dallas Ehrmantraut 2-4, R, 2 RBI
Brandon-Evansville—No stats available