(Monday, May 4th 2015): HILLTOP—Despite a phenomenal performance by Stryker’s pitching, the Cadets were able to connect in the third inning to drive in 4 runs and surge past the Panthers for a home win. With both teams in a downward slide, a suspenseful matchup was conceived with only one team able to walk away snapping a lengthy losing streak.
The Cadets would have Junior Nic Schieber lead on the mound, pitching an admirable full game: Schieber would allow only 4 hits while striking out 8 batters and walking 3. Out of 92 pitches, Schieber demonstrated consistency on the mound by throwing 68% of strikes.
Stryker’s Senior pitcher, Parker Ruffer, amassed 2% more of strikes than Schieber but Hilltop’s offense was sharp in reading Ruffer’s pitches—Ruffer gave up 4 runs on 7 hits to the Cadets while tallying 2 errors. Despite the errors and earned runs, Ruffer remarkably struck out 12 of the batters he faced.
Hilltop’s offensive surge was powered by their ability to connect in the third inning. Quinn Smith drove in a run on 2 hits, scoring once himself. Junior Cole Hanes was able to drive in a run on a hit as teammate Colin Sabins scored after an RBI single. Parker Ruffer of the Panthers garnered a double and a single while Chad Ruffer, Cameron Frey, and Cody Hall each got a base hit but were unable to cross home plate.
Hilltop’s victory over Stryker ended a lengthily 6-game losing streak to improve their record to 6-14. Stryker’s record would fall to 11-8 as they would move on to face Evergreen.