(April 30th, 2015) – STRYKER: It should come as no surprise that the Pettisville boys defeated the Panthers of Stryker, as the Blackbirds possess at least as much talent as the early favorites to win the Buckeye Border Conference. Doing so by 12 runs in the fifth inning is downright shocking, however, and serves as a testament to just how skilled the Fulton County team may truly be.
Pettisville downed the hosting Panthers 13-1 in a contest called early.
Offense was not a problem for the Blackbirds, as they put up 4 runs to begin the game. Holding Stryker without a run in the bottom of the first, Pettisville wasted no time in adding 5 more scores to their own total. Heading into the third inning, the visiting boys of Pettisville claimed a 9-0 lead.
Another multi-run inning saw the Blackbird boys tack on 2 more runs to their advantage in the third. The Panthers struck back, earning a run in the bottom half of the inning, Neither side was able to score a run in the fourth inning, setting up a must score situation for Stryker in the fifth if they hoped to extend the contest. Instead, it was Pettisville who brought in 2 more runs, securing the win by shutting out the Panthers in the bottom of the inning.
Christian Barhite pitched a complete game, lasting all five innings of play. In that span, the junior ace allowed just 1 earned run off of 3 hits. He also struck out 6 Panther batters, while walking 3 more in the victory.
Starting from the mound for Stryker was Parker Ruffer, who assumed the loss. A senior, Ruffer remained in the game for 2.2 innings, giving up 7 earned runs from 10 hits. He did, however, strike out 6 batters, walking 3 others. Fellow fourth year player Cody Hall took over pitching responsibilities in the middle of third inning, lasting through the conclusion of the fourth. Brody Shock, a sophomore came in to finish out the game.
Dustin Nofziger had a great day from the batter’s box for Pettisville. Going 2 for 3 from the plate, the senior hit for a double and a triple. He earned 4 RBIs as well. Classmate Noah Miller was even more efficient with his bat, making contact with the ball on 3 of his 4 plate appearances as he drove in 2 RBIs for the Blackbirds. Their freshman teammate, Dillon King, gave his team 3 RBIs on a 2 for 3 day which included a double.
Ruffer was responsible for 1 of Stryker’s 3 hits on the day. His contribution was a triple. Shock and Chad Ruffer each chipped in singles for Stryker as well.
