By Jeff Richards

BOYS BASEBALL

McConnellsburg 15, Northern Bedford County 1.  Tucker Hedge drove in four runs on two hits to lead the Spartans past host Northern Bedford County (NBC) Panthers in a non-conference game on April 11. Hedge, who went 2-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs, singled in the sixth scoring two, walked in the fourth scoring one, and singled in the fifth scoring one.  Also, senior first baseman Shaffer Earley, went 2-for-3 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.

The Spartans got on the board in the top of the fourth inning after Hedge drew a walk, scoring one run (Ben Sattazahn), and Jett Sipes singled, scoring two runs (Reese Alexander and Earley).  In the fifth inning, the Spartans added four runs when Alexander singled to score one run (Earley).  Then Kayden Marpoe doubled to right field scoring Alexander.  Next Marpoe scored on a throwing error after Hedge singled.  Hedge scored when Vinny Badalamenti reached first on an error by the pitcher.

The Panthers got onboard in the fifth when Ty Kegarise hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.

The Spartans scored eight runs in the sixth inning on the way to victory.  Earley singled, scoring one run (Callen Mellott), Alexander singled, scoring one run (Glenn), Marpoe drew a walk, scoring one run (Sattazahn), Hedge singled, scoring two runs (Alexander and Earley), Panther’s Carter Watson induced Badalamenti to hit into a fielder’s choice, but two runs scored (Marpoe and Hedge), and Hoyt Glenn singled, scoring one run (Badalamenti).

Finn Kuhn earned the win for the Spartans. The right-handed sophomore pitcher (4W-1L) surrendered four hits and one run over four innings, striking out three and walking four.  He has been reliable on the mound: he hasn’t given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances.  Then Glenn tossed two innings of no-run ball in relief. The right-handed junior threw a 72% strike rate, gave up zero hits, striking out two and walking none.

Kolson Feathers took the loss for the Panthers. The starter went 3.1 innings, giving up three runs (zero earned) on one hit, striking out four and walking three.   Kegerise pitched in relief 1.2 innings allowing nine runs on eight hits, striking out one and walking two.  Watson pitched the final inning in relief and yielded three runs on three hits, and walking one.

The Spartans piled up 12 hits in the game. Hedge, Alexander, Sattazahn, and Earley each collected two hits. Sattazahn stole two bases.  The team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying six walks for the game. The defense turned one double play.

Kegarise led the Panthers with one run batted in. He went 1-for-2 on the day. Zach Bowers, Kegarise, Trace Baker, and Silas Weitzel each collected one hit for NBC.

Next up, the Spartans (5-2, 1-1 ICC-S) host a non-league game against Bedford on Monday at 3 pm.

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

MCCN  0    0    0    3    4    8    x    15   12   1

NRTH    0    0    0    0    1    0    x      1      4   4

SOFTBALL

The Lady Spartans visited the Northern Bedford County Lady Panthers for a cross-conference game on April 11 and despite Makalay Shafer’s two-run homerun, they fell 12-2, dropping their record to 3-5 (1-2 ICC-S).  Next up, the Lady Spartans travel to Fannett Metal for a conference game on April 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Other: JH baseball McC 2, NBC 7.  JH softball McC 6, NBC 18.