Leopards Explode on Senior Night with 22-1 Win Over Smyer

The Leopards claim their first Gold Glove of 2025! [Parker Liles for Sideline Sports]

NEW HOME — With a share of the District Championship on the line the New Home Leopards gave their seniors a night to remember on Friday, dominating Smyer 22-1 in a game that was all but decided in the first inning.

Ryder Starkey drives the ball to center.

The Leopards erupted for 12 runs in the opening frame, setting the tone early. Hunter Burrell tripled to bring in the first run, followed by RBI hits from Ryder Starkey and Conley Mounce, and a two-run homer from Ryder Watkins. New Home capitalized on walks and errors to build a commanding lead before Smyer could settle in.

The offensive onslaught continued in the second, with seven more runs on five hits. Cooper Brown and Jair Johnson drove in a pair of runs each, and Graham Stanford added an RBI single. New Home tacked on two more in the third on a Smyer error and a triple from Avin Madrid.

Stanford picked up the win on the mound, striking out five and not allowing a single hit in 2.1 innings of work. New Home pitchers combined for a no-hit performance through the shortened game.

Starkey led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3, while Burrell and Watkins each drove in three runs. The Leopards collected 13 hits overall and showed patience at the plate with nine walks.

Defensively, New Home was flawless as the Leopards did not commit an error.

It was a dominant performance from start to finish—an emphatic way to honor the senior class and a reminder of just how dangerous this Leopards squad can be heading into the postseason.

To access the full gallery of game photos click here!