Rockdale Citizen

Kierra Camp came as close as a pitcher can get to perfection without attaining it Wednesday in Conyers. The junior hurler for Heritage came within one out of a perfect game, tossing a no-hitter in the Patriots' 9-0, five-inning win over local rival Newton. Camp retired the first 14 batters she faced before a hit batsman broke up the perfect game. The right-hander retired the final batter to complete the gem.

"Her location, her change-up, any time she's in the dirt with her pitches, we got a chance to win," said Heritage coach Jason McBay. "Tonight it was just Kierra at her best. I don't think it would've mattered who we played tonight. She was just on. Couple times I tried to tell her things from the dugout, I don't even think she heard me. Any time she's in the circle, we're a solid team and got a chance to beat anybody."

While Camp has led the pitching staff, Heritage has gotten off to a fast start offensively and began the 2012 season at 4-0. Wednesday was the third time in four games the Patriots have scored nine or more runs (they're averaging more than 10 runs per game).

Against Newton, Diamond Callwood led the way with three hits, including a triple and 2 RBIs, while Camp (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) and Kamryn Toney (2-for-3, RBI) each delivered a two-hit game.

Heritage heads to the Temple High School Tournament this weekend. The Patriots will play a doubleheader Friday with games against Darlington at 8 p.m. and Chattooga at 9 p.m. Newton, which fell to 0-5, has six days off before hosting Social Circle on Wednesday.