(March 30th, 2015) – WEST UNITY: It was rough going for the Cadets as they hosted Green Meadows Conference power Ayersville to begin their season. With just 2 hits in the contest, the Hilltop offense struggled to keep pace with the Pilots.
As it turned out, the boys from West Unity were unable to do so, dropping the game 9-2.
The game began as a close one. Ayersville scored right away, earning a run in the top of the first inning. They were able to add another run to the scoreboard in the second, with Hilltop responding with a run of their own at the bottom of the inning. That 2-1 score lasted until the top of the fifth, when the Pilots tacked on 3 more runs to their total.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cadet boys saw another runner cross home plate. This reduced their deficit to 3 runs, with a 5-2 score. Despite their difficulties at the plate, they were still in position to make a move in the final inning. Ayersville wouldn’t allow that, however, putting up 4 more runs in the top of the seventh, increasing their advantage to 7 runs. Hilltop was unable to rally, losing the contest by that very margin.
The two batters to make contact with the ball for Hilltop were freshman Tyler Suboski and senior Justin Ashenfelter. Suboski, a young speedster, was able to secure a single. A crafty veteran, Ashenfelter hit his way into a double. He also showed great judgment at the plate, displaying great patience as he was walked.
Pitcher Jalen Towers, another senior for the Cadets, took the loss after staying on the mound for 6.1 innings. While he gave up 5 earned runs off of 7 hits, Towers also struck out 6 batters faced. Cole Hayes came in to finish the game, allowing no hits as he earned a strike out.