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Errors cause Wildcat collapse in late innings against West Union

Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
WEST UNION — Giving up five runs in the sixth inning proved to be too much for the Whiteoak Wildcats to overcome, Monday at West Union High School. The five runs by the Dragons put them in the lead for good as they defeated the Wildcats 9-5 in a Southern Hills League matchup.

WHS took the lead after the top of the first with two runs, but the Dragons quickly answered with three to take the lead after the first complete inning. WHS answered with the tying run in the top of the second and the go-ahead run in the third for a 4-3 advantage, behind the pitching of Michael Carraher.  

Then came the fifth where WHS allowed five runs. In the sixth, WHS scored one run, but that, too, was answered by the Dragons in the bottom part of the inning. WHS was held scoreless in the final inning.

The Wildcats had a total of six errors, along with four base-running miscues. WU scored five runs on the fifth on four errors. Their final six runs all were unearned.

"We did not play every pitch, especially defensively," WHS head coach Chris Veidt said. "This has been a solid defensive team all year. It was a simple case of not being mentally ready to concentrate on each pitch."

Michael Smith led all Wildcat batters with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. He had a triple, two doubles and two RBIs. Gage Carraher was also 3-for-4 with two runs.

Jesse Bradds went 2-for-3 with a double and one RBI. Tyler Williams followed by finishing 1-for-2 at the plate.

Wes Stratton had one hit and one RBI. Ryan Emery also tallied a hit, which was a double, along with one run.

"Michael Smith had an excellent night at the plate, and Wes Stratton continues to give us good ABs and solid defense," Veidt said.

Michael Carraher was charged with the loss. The senior, who is 2-1 on the season, pitched six innings, allowing nine runs (three earned) on nine hits and no walks. He struck out eight.

"Mikey deserved a better fate … he pitched well," Veidt said. "Hard to ask more than that from a starting pitcher than what he did (Monday)."

The loss drops WHS to 7-5 overall. Their Tuesday game against North Adams was postponed. The Wildcats will take on Eastern Brown on Wednesday at WHS.[[In-content Ad]]

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