By Jeff Richards

Alexander Drives In 8 To Lead the Spartans

Shanksville, PA.  The Spartans reached their highest score of the season, completely rebounding from Tuesday’s game.  The Spartans’ high-scoring performance was a significant improvement from their previous one-run match.

Reese Alexander drove in eight runs on three hits to lead the Spartans past Shanksville Stonycreek Vikings to an 18-0 no-hitter, shutout on Thursday.  Alexander hit a home run to right field in the third scoring three, singled in the second scoring two, doubled in the fifth scoring two, and hit a sacrifice fly in the first scoring one.

The Spartans initiated the scoring in the first inning when Alexander hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Hoyt Glenn to score. Glenn, the leadoff batter, reached base with an infield single and proceeded to steal two bases, positioning himself for early scoring. The Spartan defense efficiently concluded the first inning by retiring the first three Viking batters, completing an infield put out play, and with starting pitcher Kade Gress achieving two strikeouts. 

In the top of the second inning, the Spartans scored eight runs on six hits. Jace Fletcher doubled, driving in two; Glenn singled, driving in one run; Ben Sattazahn singled, driving in one; Alexander singled, driving in two runs; an error contributed to scoring one, and Gavin DeShong singled, driving in one run. Players crossing home plate included Glenn, Sattazahn, Alexander, Gress, DeShong, Tucker Hedge, Fletcher, and Finn Kuhn.

The Spartans swiftly ended the second inning with two strikeouts by Gress and an infield put out.  

In the top of the third, the Spartans scored four runs on four hits: Sattazahn’s single brought home Fletcher, and Alexander’s homer to right field scored Finn, Sattazahn, and himself.

The Vikings’ third inning offense was shut down quickly with two more Gress strikeouts and a line out to center.

The Spartans scored five runs in the fifth inning with four hits. Alexander’s double brought in Glenn and Mario Centeno, DeShong’s double scored Alexander, and Vinny Badalamenti’s single added two runs by DeShong and Hall.

Kade Gress (3-1) earned the win for the Spartans. He allowed zero hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out six and walking one. Kason Harrell tossed two innings of zero-run ball in relief and allowed zero hits, striking out three and walking two.

Matt Miller took the loss for the Vikings. The starter went two innings, giving up nine runs (six earned) on seven hits, striking out two and walking one.  Ethan Snyder pitched in relief one inning and allowed four runs (four earned) on four hits, striking out one and walking none.  Jordan Young pitched the final two innings in relief, giving up five runs (none earned) on four hits, striking out one and walking one. 

The Spartans had 15 hits in the game. Alexander, Glenn, and DeShong each had three hits. Alexander went 3-for-3 with one home run, eight RBI, and three runs. McConnellsburg is undefeated when Alexander posts two or more runs. Glenn also contributed, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.  The Spartans finished the game with a batting average of .455 and stole seven bases while playing error-free defense.

McConnellsburg has won three of their last four games, improving their season record to 6-4. Their recent success is partly due to strong pitching, allowing only an average of 3.3 runs per game.

………….1   2   3   4   5   6   7    R   H    E

MCCN…1   8   4   0   5   X   X  18  15  0

SHKV..…0   0   0   0   0   X   X    0    0    7

Next up:  McConnellsburg (6-4) welcomes Rockwood on Tuesday 4:30 PM for their next game.

Girls Var. Softball:  McConnellsburg 1 Shanksville 14