(July 2nd, 2015) – STRYKER: What started out largely as a one-sided affair became a high scoring battle as Hilltop fought to stay in front of host team Stryker. After building a strong lead early in the contest, the Cadets were able to hang on for an impressive road victory over a talented Panther club.
Hilltop held on to defeat Stryker, 9-7.
It didn’t take long for the Cadet boys to pull ahead, as they scored 3 runs in the top of the opening inning. Shutting out Stryker in the bottom of the first, Hilltop tacked on another 3 runs to start off the second inning. The Panthers responded with a run in the bottom of the second, as well as another in the third, but remained behind by a 6-2 margin.
It seemed as though the Cadets had put the game away in the sixth, with the Hilltop bats racking up 3 more runs to expand their advantage to 7. Yet Stryker refused to simply give up. Instead, the Panther boys unleashed the full force of their offense, totaling 5 runs in the sixth inning. Both sides appeared to run out of steam in the seventh, however, leaving the visitors from West Unity with a 2 run win.
Quinn Smith played the role of hero for the Cadets, playing a vital part in their offensive against Stryker. Going 2 for 4 from the plate, the rising junior hit for a single and a double. He also totaled 4 RBIs in the contest. Senior-to-be Nic Schieber had a significant day as well. Making the most of 2 out of his 3 plate appearances, Schieber’s pair of singles were responsible for driving in 2 RBIs for Hilltop.
For the Panthers, Chad Ruffer drove in an RBI on a single, as the incoming senior went 1 for 4 from the batter’s box. Teammate Tyrel Patterson also brought a run home, hitting an RBI double while going 1 for 3 on the day.
Isaac VanArsdalen received credit for the victory, standing on the mound for 4 innings of play. The soon to be senior gave up 1 earned run off of 3 hits. He struck out 2 batters, walking 3 more. VanArsdalen was flanked by starting pitcher Ryan Brooker and closer Quinn Smith.
Ruffer took to the mound for Stryker, lasting 4 innings pitching. He allowed 5 earned runs from 9 hits, striking out 5 batters. Austin Frisbie came in to finish the remaining 3 innings, earning 3 strikeouts while giving up just 1 earned run.