BOYS BASEBALL

By Jeff Richards

McConnellsburg 7, Grace Academy 3: The McConnellsburg Spartans ousted the Grace Academy Knights 7-3 at home March 24 in a non-league game. 

The Spartans jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Ben Sattazahn hit a second-pitch solo home run to left field, and Vinny Badalamenti singled, scoring two runs.  The Knights scored their first run in the second inning when Denton Bible singled scoring a baserunner from third.  The Spartans extended their early lead with three runs in the bottom of the third from RBI singles by Gavin DeShong and Hoyt Glenn. The Spartans scored a run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Glenn scoring DeShong.  In the top of the seventh, the Knights put together a short rally when two runs were scored on a two-out double by Andrew Ingram.  The next batter struck out ending the attempted rally and the game. 

Sattazahn and DeShong did most of the damage at the plate: Sattazahn went 1-for-3 with one home run and one stolen base, while DeShong got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBIs. Tucker Hedge was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one run. Hedge, Glenn, Sattazahn, DeShong, and Badalamenti each had a hit, and Glenn, DeShong, and Badalamenti drove in two runs apiece for the Spartans. Hedge drew three walks as part of the team’s total of 11. The Spartans stole four bases, with additional advances on defensive indifference, and turned two double plays defensively.

For the Spartans, Finn Kuhn opened on the mound and pitched 3.1 innings, allowing four hits and one run (one earned) with one strikeout and one walk to earn the win. Jett Sipes provided 3.2 innings of relief, giving up six hits and two unearned runs, striking out two and walking two.  

Ryder Martinez was marked with the loss for Grace Academy. He opened the game and pitched 2.1 innings, allowing six runs on three hits, recording two strikeouts, and issuing six walks. Aiden Miner entered in relief, delivering 1.2 scoreless innings, permitting one hit and walking two batters. The second reliever, Andrew Ingram, completed two innings, conceding one earned run on one hit, walking three, and striking out one.

The Knights piled up 10 hits in the game. Ingram provided strength in the middle of the lineup, and led the team with two RBIs, while going 4-for-4. Michael Berry and Bible each collected multiple hits.  The Knights committed no errors.

Next up, McConnellsburg (3-0, 0-0 ICC-S) will host Windber for a non-conference game on March 25 at 4:30 p.m.

             1   2   3   4   5   6   7   R    H   E

GRCC   0   1   0   0   0   0   2   3   10  0

MCCN  3   0   3   0   1   0   X   7   5    1