(April 20th, 2015) — NORTH CENTRAL: Coach Smeltzer and the Eagles started off the week against the visiting Cadets from Hilltop on Monday afternoon. The two BBC conference teams endured the gusting winds and falling Spring temperatures for a thrilling offensive showdown.
Starting on the mound for North Central was pitcher Josh Sawyer. Sawyer would give up 1 run to the Cadets in the top of the first inning; however, the Eagles would retaliate in the bottom of the inning with 5 runs of their own.
The offensive tug continued after two scoreless innings in the bottom of the fourth. The Eagles picked up two more runs in the bottom of the fourth for a comfortable 7-1 lead going into the 5th.
Sawyer, continuing to throw competently, would work his way through a tough 5th inning, giving up 4 runs putting the Cadets back into the game at 5-7. Sawyer would retire after the 5th striking out 7 batters and walking 6.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, North Central tallied another run to up their lead to 8-5. The Eagles called on Jordan Bailey to hold off Hilltop’s offense: Bailey would give up just one run before the Eagles would claim victory on the night 8-6.
Hilltop’s starting pitcher Jalen Towers formidably battled against North Central’s offense throughout the game. Towers continually fought vigorously striking out 8 batters and walking only 2.
Offensively, the Eagles demonstrated their raw power with a home run by Josh Sawyer and a double by David Pinc. Sawyer also managed a single with 2 RBIs in the game—Pinc tallied an RBI with an additional single as well. Junior Dakota Pitts had two singles with 2 RBIs in the match.
Hilltop’s Cole Hanes was instrumental in the Cadet’s offensive retaliation. Hanes totaled a double, 2 singles, and accumulated 4 RBIs. Teammate Quinn Smith also scored two RBIs on his single in the game.
Josh Sawyer would pick up the win for the Eagles as Jalen Towers chalked up a loss for the Cadets. North Central’s record improved to .500 as Hilltop’s loss put them at 4-7 for the season.
