(March 30th, 2015) – MONTPELIER: It was rough going for the Locomotives in their first game of the year. Hosting Green Meadows Conference foe Fairview, the Montpelier boys struggled on their home field against the Apaches.
The game was called in the fifth inning, as the Locos lost the contest 23-1.
In the top of the first inning, Fairview experienced a surge offensively, driving in 6 runs. They added 3 more in the top of the fourth. In the bottom of that inning, Montpelier scored their lone run, lessening their disadvantage to a 9-1 margin. The Apaches racked up an astounding 14 runs in the top of the third, providing a deficit out from which the Montpelier boys couldn’t climb. Neither side was able to score another run in the fourth or fifth innings, leading to the mercy rule being enacted and the contest being called.
Hunter McKelvey provided Montpelier with their only hit of the game. The senior Loco went 1 for 2 at the plate. His contact with the ball led to an RBI double.
Four pitchers took to the mound for the Locomotives in the loss, as they had difficulty finding the right combination to face off against a potent Apache offense. Jared Shoup started the contest, giving up 9 runs and 6 walks. He also struck out a Fairview batter. In his 1.1 innings on the mound The trio of Andrew Luke, Gunnar Matson, and Bryce Cooley participated in a relief role throughout remainder of game.
Matson had a fair amount of success during his time pitching. The junior gave up 3 runs off of 6 hits. He did strike out 4 of the 16 batters he faced, though. Cooley finished the game, retiring the side against 4 batters in the final inning.