(April 23rd, 2015) – WEST UNITY: An early lead wasn’t enough to deter a strong willed Eagle team as they attempted to take over Hilltop’s field on Thursday, April 23. Still, the Cadets were able to keep Fayette at bay and earn a hard fought victory.
Hilltop defeated the Eagle boys 5-2.
The Cadet effort started with a single run in the bottom of the second inning. After their defense prevented a response to be mounted by their guests from Fulton County, Hilltop tacked on 3 more runs to claim an early 4-0 advantage before the fourth inning. With neither side scoring in the fourth inning, the contest was still very much in doubt.
Stepping up in the top of the fifth, Fayette put up a 2 run effort to get back into the thick of the game. While the Cadets answered with another run in the bottom of the inning, the Eagles had nonetheless demonstrated that they could penetrate the Hilltop defense. They wouldn’t be able to repeat this feat, however, as both sides remained scorless throughout the last two innings, handing the win to the Cadets.
Justin Ashenfelter gave Hilltop a strong performer at the plate. The senior went 2 for 3, hitting for a single and a double, driving in an RBI in the process. Sophomore teammate Quinn Smith also had a solid day hitting the ball, making contact on 3 of his 4 plate appearances. Knocking in a trio of singles, Smith also earned an RBI.
For Fayette, it was Drake Bowditch who stood out the most from the batter’s box. With a 2 for 3 showing, he hit for a single and a double, driving in an RBI as well. While Fayette senior Koby Biddix didn’t get a hit against Hilltop, he did, however, bring home an RBI with a sacrifice fly.
Taking to the mound as well, Ashenfelter claimed the win for Hilltop. Pitching all seven innings, he allowed just 2 runs off of 5 hits. The senior Cadet also struck out 10 Fayette batters, walking 3 in the victory.
Biddix took the loss for the Eagles, despite having a good day pitching the ball. None of Hilltop’s 5 runs were earned against him, and he gave up a meager 6 hits. The senior was also responsible for 7 strikeouts, allowing only 1 walk.