Unearned runs haunt Tribe; fall to Panthers
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Miscues and walks combined to cost the Hillsboro Indians Wednesday at Shaffer Park. The Indians had three errors and allowed five unearned runs in a 6-3 defeat to the Miami Trace Panthers in South Central Ohio League play.
Hillsboro began the SCOL affair by letting the Panthers lead off their half of the first inning with two runs.
"Defensively, we beat ourselves," HHS head coach Rusty Swackhamer said. "Right now, we are averaging six errors a game, and if you do that, you can't win games.
"Non-league losses are bad at times, but losing league games hits hard."
Tucker Hughes and Kendal Munro each drew walks to start the game. They each scored off a two-RBI double by Pitakos.
HHS ended the inning with a 5-3-4 double play.
Hillsboro cut the MT lead in half with one run in their half of the first.
Corey Walker led off with a single toward left field. He then took second and advanced to third on a ground out by A.J. Helterbrand. Aric Carroll hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Walker as he gained the run beating out the throw with a slide into the plate.
Paul Snyder doubled in the second inning for the Tribe. He tied the game at 2-2 with a ground out RBI by Brandon Wilson. Wilson was brought up from the JV team for his first varsity action of the season. Snyder scored with one out.
MT pounded out three runs in the third inning to gain a 5-2 lead.
McIntosh reached on an error for MT. Pitkos followed with a base hit. Down to their final out of the inning, Miami Trace's Snyder tripled in two runs. Kuebler singled in Snyder for the three-run lead.
In the bottom of the third, HHS added one run to their total as Helterbrand crossed home plate. The run turned out to be their final run of the game.
Campbell scored Miami Trace's final run in the top of the fourth. Campbell reached on an error.
The win was credited to Pitkos. He went all seven innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and four walks. Pitkos had six strikeouts.
For the Indians, Logan Wilson was charged with the loss. Wilson allowed just one earned run in five innings. He gave up five hits and walked five. Wilson gained five strikeouts.
Helterbrand pitched two innings of relief for HHS, striking out three batters.
Leading HHS at the plate was Carroll, who was 2-for-2 with a sacrifice. Carroll was also hit by a pitch. Steagall forced two walks. Logan Watson, Paul Snyder, Walker and Patrick Garman each had one hit.
"We need to get back playing the game the way it is supposed to be played," Swackhamer said.
The loss drops HHS to 2-3 overall.
BOX SCORE
MTHS - 203 100 0 - 6 5 2
HHS - 111 000 0 - 3 6 3
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