Indians fall to Washington in opening game of season
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
WASHINGTON C.H. - Unable to get the timing of their swings in check, the defending South Central League champion Hillsboro Indians dropped their league and season opening game Wednesday night by a score of 11-1 to the Washington Blue Lions.
"Our kids played well," Washington head coach Troy Montgomery said. "We were extremely aggressive in all aspects of the game."
Taking just six innings to gain their first win of the season, the Blue Lions (1-1) had clutch hitting when they needed it and took advantage of the fielding miscues of the Indians.
"The bottom line is we weren't ready to play (Wednesday)," Hillsboro head coach Rusty Swackhamer said. "Our bats were asleep. Their (Washington) pitcher threw a great ball game, but we have to attack at the plate."
The Blue Lions started their scoring in the first inning when Casey Shaw hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Parker Huffman. Huffman reached the bases with a lead-off triple to start the game.
In the second inning Chris Blair made the score 2-0 in favor of the Blue Lions.
The third inning saw Huffman score again with the assistance of Shaw, who knocked in Huffman, along with Colton Sanderson with a double. Shaw then scored with an RBI hit by Blair.
Washington continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run home run by Chance Therrien. Therrien knocked in Bryce Brian with the homer.
In the final (sixth) inning the Blue Lions loaded the bases with no outs when Justin Hall scored on a passed ball. The final two runs came when Shaw singled in Huffman and Sanderson.
The lone HHS run came when Airic Steagall crossed home plate.
"Hillsboro has quality kids and quality coaching," Montgomery said. "I think Hillsboro has a good team. They will be fine this year and will make a difference in the league."
Not to be overlooked, though, was the pitching performance of first time varsity starter Therrien. Therrien dominated from the hill as he gained 11 strikeouts, while allowing one run on three hits and two walks. He also hit batters on three different occasions.
"Chance helped us out," Montgomery said. "He had a great pitching performance in his first varsity start. He stayed ahead of the hitters and made them give into him, instead of working his way back."
Gaining hits for HHS were: Aric Carroll, Steagall and Dow Kiefer. Carroll was hit by two pitches in the game to reach base three times.
"I'd rather this happen our first time out than late in the year," Swackhamer said. "The guys now realize what we need to do to win."
The loss was charged to Logan Wilson. Wilson allowed seven runs (three earned) on eight hits and no walks. Wilson struck out five batters.
"Logan threw a great game for us. Things happened and we can't expect to win games when we struggle on defense. If you don't come prepared to play defense, you won't win games."
A.J. Helterbrand pitched 1/3 of an inning with one strike out. Helterbrand allowed three runs (one earned) on one hit and two walks.
The Indians will play again Thursday, as they will take on the Clinton-Massie Falcons at Shaffer Park with a first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.
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