(April 27th, 2015) – STRYKER: In an amazing individual performance, Parker Ruffer played an critical role in defending his team’s home field in Stryker’s victory over the visiting Eagles of North Central. With 14 strikeouts from the mound, and a grand slam contributing heavily to his 5 RBIs from the plate, the senior standout had a massive showing in the Panther’s win over their Buckeye Border Conference opponent.
Despite Ruffer’s Herculean efforts, Stryker still received a scare from the boys of Pioneer, fending off a late rally for the 7-5 victory.
For the first two innings, relatively little offense was displayed, with neither side able to procure a single run. In the bottom of the third, however, the Panther boys began to drive in runs. A 4 run effort gave them a commanding lead heading into the fourth inning, where the Eagles were unable to mount a response. Stryker would add 3 more runs to their total during their next turn in the batter’s box, earning them a 7-0 advantage with just three innings left to play.
North Central never quit, though, racking up 4 runs in the top half of the fifth inning. Holding the hometown Panthers without a run for the remainder of the contest, it was up to the Eagle bats to make up the 3 run gap between the two squads. Unable to tack on an additional score in the sixth, everything came down to the top of the seventh, with the Pioneer boys needing 3 runs to extend the game. Only 1 of those runs were allowed by the Stryker defense, ending the contest with a 2 run differential between the two teams.
Ruffer’s time on the mound was efficient, to say the least. Giving up only 1 earned run off of 6 hits, he pitched for the entirety of the game. Also, making his 14 strikeouts all the more impressive is the fact that he walked no batters, demonstrating remarkable control.
Jordan Reeves had a strong day pitching for North Central as well. In six innings of work, the senior allowed 3 earned runs from 6 hits. He struck out 6 Panthers, walking 2 more.
Aside from his grand slam, Ruffer also hit for a single. Fellow Panther Cameron Frey drove in a pair of runs with a 2 RBI double. Brody Shock and Cody Hall each had singles for Stryker as well.
Earning 3 hits in the game was North Central senior Josh Sawyer. With 2 doubles and a home run, Sawyer claimed responsibility for 3 RBIs. Classmates Reeves and Colton Pilmore both hit for RBI singles in the loss.