The Varsity Warhorses, missing several key starters thanks to participation in the Regional track meet, couldn’t hold on to an early lead against the Marion Bulldogs in a playoff warm-up game last Friday, April 28, in a 4-1 loss.
Devine’s sole run of the game came in the top of the 3rd inning. Leonard Pompa was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on Dalton Kramer’s double, and scored on a ground ball by Newt Crouch that drew an error from the Bulldogs’ third baseman.
Marion took the lead for good in the bottom of the 4th inning, scoring three runs on two singles, a double, and an error. The Bulldogs scored an insurance run in the bottom of the 5th inning to secure the 4-1 win.
The Warhorses struggled on both sides of the ball, committing two errors and managing just two hits while leaving eight runners on base. Marion had four hits and one error.
“We didn’t hit the ball like I would have liked and we had our opportunities to score,” Head Coach George Villa said. “We just have to do a better job of getting the barrel on the ball in scoring situations. Our pitchers threw well, so that was a bright spot.”
Batting: Kramer 2-3, 1 BB; Isaac Solis 0-1, 1 BB; Crouch 0-4, 1 RBI; Richie Long 0-3; Kyler Brown 0-3; Connor Schmidt 0-2; Jerrod Taylor 1 BB; Matt Ornelas 0-3; Ralph Rios 0-1; Chad Lawson 0-1; Pompa 0-2.
Pitching: Schmidt 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 hits, 5 strikeouts; Solis 1.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts; Truett Barron 0.2 IP.
Upcoming games
The Warhorses take on the Somerset Bulldogs in a three-game Bi-District series beginning Friday, May 5 at Warhorse Field. Game 1 begins at 5:00 pm, with Game 2 set to follow 30 minutes after the first game’s conclusion. If necessary, Game 3 will be held in Somerset on Saturday, May 6 at 4:00 pm.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer