Junior Wyatt Gordon hit two home runs to lead the offense, as Charleston High School baseball won 12-1 over Mattoon in the first game of the teams’ Apollo Conference series at Mattoon on Wednesday.  

It was Gordon’s first career two home run game.  

In the top of the sixth, junior Ty Helton singled to get on base which brought Gordon up with a man on. Gordon hit the ball deep into left field, watched it fly and topped it by flipping his bat to give the Trojans a 7-1 lead.  

He said it was important to not try to chase for a second. 

“After you hit the first one you gotta make sure not to try and press for the second one,” Gordon said. “I just let the curveball in the second at bat come to me.” 

In the top of the seventh, senior Rohen Walters and Helton both hit singles to get on base. Gordon once again hit another ball deep into left field. Mattoon left fielder Brendon Price jumped up to try to grab it, but it left the field.  

Gordon finished the day with all five of his RBIs coming from the home runs. He has three homers on the season, his first coming in the team’s last conference game against Mt. Zion on April 22.  

“He comes for conference play doesn’t he,” Charleston head coach Jim Miller said.  

Senior Alex Matheny (2-2) pitched all seven of the Trojans innings, only allowing one run on four hits while recording 10 strikeouts. 

“I came ready to play today,” he said.  

Charleston stole six bases with both Applegate and Shafer getting a pair. 

The Trojans opened up the game’s scoring in the second inning. Junior Landon Shafer hit a single to the second basemen and was able to beat out the throw at first. Senior Rohen Walters hit a single that drove in Shafer on a hit and run.  

In the fifth inning, Matheny hit an RBI single into left field to put the Trojans up 3-0. 

Flygare laid down a bunt that scored junior Russel Applegate.  

Mattoon scored one run in the sixth off a Price double. 

Charleston recorded 16 hits, which is the highest total this season.  

“I think we got a good eye at the plate,” Miller said. 

The game marks Charleston’s first win against Mattoon since 2024, having been swept in the away doubleheader last season.  

“Getting back with a statement win like that is a pretty good feeling,” Gordon said.  

The two teams will play again Thursday at Baker Field. That game was originally scheduled to be played on Tuesday but was pushed back until tommorow due to the inclement weather in the area on Monday.  

Thursday’s first pitch in Charleston is set for 4:30. 

Jason Coulombe can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].