(April 21st, 2015) – PIONEER: After build a solid lead, Stryker saw their advantage disappear late in the game, as Buckeye Border Conference opponent North Central pushed them to their limits. In fact, the Eagles came within a run of forcing extra innings.
The Panthers were able to fend off the North Central comeback effort, however, taking the road contest 5-4.
It wasn’t until the third that Stryker got on the scoreboard, drawing first blood with a 2-0 inning. They were able to tack on another 3 runs in the fourth, but were met with a 1 run showing by the boys of Pioneer. A scoreless fifth inning allowed the Panthers to maintain their 5-1 edge over North Central going into the final two innings of play.
North Central would rally, however. Bringing in 2 runs in the sixth inning put them in striking distance of their guests from Stryker. Not giving up any runs in the top of the seventh, the Eagles set the stage for an epic comeback, needing 2 runs to require an eighth inning, and 3 to win outright. Yet it wasn’t meant to be, as the hometown boys could only bring in 1 run.
Brody Shock controlled the game from the mound for Stryker. The Panther pitcher amassed an impressive 11 strikeouts, walking 3 batters along the way. He also allowed 3 earned runs off of 6 hits in six innings of work. Parker Ruffer came in to relieve Shock in the seventh, procuring the save.
Jordan Reeves had a solid outing pitching the ball for North Central as well. Lasting all seven innings, the senior gave up 4 earned runs from 7 hits. He also struck out 4 batters while walking 4 more.
Shock had a great day from the plate as well as the mound. With a single and a double to his name, he drove in 2 RBIs. Ruffer also drove in an RBI, hitting two singles in the contest.
Steven Williams was instrumental in the Eagle comeback effort, hitting a 2 RBI double in the sixth to ignite the run. Dakota Pitts also drove in a run, hitting for an RBI double as well.