(May 29th, 2015) – EDGERTON: Opening up the ACME season after a tough loss in the District Semi-Finals to Ayersville, the Panthers of Stryker played visitor to the Edgerton Bulldogs in the first of two games to be played on the evening. One inning would make all the difference in the contest, even if an initial look at the final score would make one think otherwise.
Stryker lost to the Bulldogs 5-0.
The majority of the game was dominated by defense. The first two innings saw neither side able to get things going offensively. Then in the bottom of the third, the Bulldog bats caught fire. Driving in five runs before having to return to defense, Edgerton built a substantial advantage against Stryker. Unable to put up any runs in the fourth and fifth innings, the Panthers were faced with defeat after four and a half innings of play.
The Bulldogs outhit Stryker, with the former connecting with the ball 7 times to the Panthers 3 hits. On defense, both sides played a clean game, with the only error of the contest belonging to Stryker.
Despite the loss, the Panther coaching staff was high on the performance of Tyrel Patterson. While the junior-to-be only earned 1 hit, he was deemed to have 2 quality at-bats by the Panther staff. A subjective stat, quality at-bats are judged by the coaches, rather than a uniform standard.
About to enter into his senior year, Chad Ruffer stayed on the mound for the majority of the game, four innings total, absorbing the loss for his team. Racking up 6 strikeouts, Ruffer had strong control over his pitches, starting off with a strike against 16 Edgerton batters.
