(April 16th, 2015) – STRYKER: In a big win for the Cadet program, the boys of West Unity were able to earn a road win over Stryker, the favorite to claim the Buckeye Border Conference crown this season.
Hilltop bested their Panther hosts 4-0.
The Cadets wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, earning a run in the top of the first inning of play. Stryker was unable to mount a response, going scoreless over the next two innings. Then, in the third, Hilltop tacked on another 2 runs to their score, giving them a 3-0 advantage heading into the fourth inning.
Things remained quiet for the fourth and fifth innings, with neither team adding a run to their respective totals. It was in the sixth inning that the Cadets would score their last run of the contest, giving them a 4-0 margin of victory after Stryker failed to produce a run in the sixth and seventh innings.
Nic Schieber received credit for the win from the mound, pitching a marvelous game. In six innings, the junior gave up just 3 hits and no runs. He also struck out 4 batters along the way. Quinn Smith came in to close out the contest, allowing only 1 hit before retiring the side in the bottom of the seventh.
In his five innings of pitching, Brody Shock also had a strong showing. Giving up 2 earned runs in five innings, he allowed 5 hits from the Hilltop bats. He did, however, strike out 7 Cadet boys. Chad Ruffer entered the contest for the remaining 2 innings, giving up 2 hits and an unearned run, striking out 1 batter.
Jalen Towers gave the Hilltop offense some scoring prowess with a 2 run single in the third inning. The senior went 1 for 4 on the evening. Justin Ashenfelter went 1 for 3 from the plate, driving in an RBI on a single as well. Sophomore Quinn Smith capitalized on 2 of his 3 plate appearances, hitting for a pair of singles.
Parker Ruffer was efficient from the batter’s box, going 2 for 2 on the night. The Panther senior hit for 2 singles. Shock also earned a single, making contact with the ball on 1 of his 3 attempts from the plate.