On Wednesday night, Manual’s freshman boys’ baseball team was defeated by Shelby County, 7-3.
First Inning:
The inning began with Manual pitching and getting two quick outs. Shelby County’s third batter hit a double, and following his hit, he was able to score after another Shelby County batter hit a double, too. Shortly afterwards, the Rockets scored another point before the top of the inning ended.
Julian Thurston (#6, 9) and Gavin Burton (#17, 9) were ruled out fairly quickly to start out the game for Crimsons, while Ethan Eckerle (#36, 9) was able to walk to first base and then make it second base. However, the first inning came to a close shortly after, with Shelby County in the lead, 2-0.
Second Inning:
Shelby County’s first batter made it to first base, and a few pitches later, the runner was inching close to second base, forcing Thurston to throw the ball back to first base. He was ruled safe, though. Another Shelby County runner then hit the ball, but he was ruled out at first base, while the original runner at first base made it to second base. Fortunately, Manual was able to get the other two outs to end the top of the second inning.
To out start the bottom of the inning, Grayson Hammer (#28, 9) and another Manual batter got out quickly. To end the inning, Emerson Reynolds (#23, 9) was ruled out after his hit was caught.
Third Inning:
Manual’s defense was quick to get out Shelby County’s first batter. Their next two batters would make it to first and second bases following walks. Their fourth batter was then ruled out. Shortly afterwards, one of their batters hit the ball, allowing the runner on second base to make it to home plate and score, while the other runner made it to third base. Manual was able to get the third and final out, but not before Shelby County added another run to the scoreboard, making the score 3-0 in their favor.
Manual’s first batter up to start off the bottom of the third inning got out fairly quickly. Then, Thurston was up to bat, and while he put up a fight against Shelby County’s pitcher, but the pitcher prevailed, securing the Rockets’ second out. Burton then stepped up to the batter’s box, and hit a double, running to second base. Eckerle then hit a single, running to first base, while Burton remained at second.
Eventually, Burton made his way to third base, while Eckerle made it to second. Another Manual batter was walked by Shelby County’s pitcher. The bases were now loaded, and both Burton and Eckerle were luckily able to score a run each before the inning ended.
The score was now 3-2, with Shelby County in the lead.
Fourth Inning:
To start the inning, Manual made a pitching change, with Ashton Morganett (#43, 9) taking over on the mound. Their first batter made it to first after an RBI. He was then able to steal second base a few pitches later. Manual was able to get Shelby County’s second batter out. Then, their next batter hit a single. At this point, Manual called time to regroup.
Manual then walked the Rockets’ fourth batter, with the bases now loaded. Manual walked yet another batter, allowing a runner to score at home. The bases were loaded yet again, as well. Following this, another base runner scored after an RBI. At this point, runners were on first and third bases. However, Manual walked another batter, loading the bases once more.
The third base runner then made it to home plate, as well as their second base runner. Manual called time following hitting streaks by Shelby County and numerous walks. Another pitching change also occurred, where Reynolds took over at the mound. Fortunately, Reynolds stepped up, helping the Crimson defense achieve the final two outs to make the end of the top of the fourth inning.
Morganett and Jodie Crutcher (#40, 9) both hit pop ups, which were caught by Shelby County’s defensive players. Reynolds put up a fight against the Rockets’ pitcher, fighting to hit the ball, as the pitcher ultimately got him out, marking the end of the fourth inning.
At this point in the game, the score was now 7-2, with Shelby County in a comfortable lead.
Fifth Inning:
Reynolds remained on the mound for the top of the inning. The Rockets’ first batter hit a single. Their second batter was ruled out after he hit the ball, but the runner on first base made it to second base quickly. The first batter was then able to run to third base, but Shelby County’s third and fourth batters got out shortly afterwards.
To mark the end of the game, a Manual batter hit a pop up, which was caught for the first out. Thurston then hit a single, making it to first base, and while Burton was batting, Thurston was able to steal second base. Thurston stole third base, before he eventually was able to run towards home plate, scoring in the process. Burton then walked.
Eckerle quickly got out, marking the second out for the Rockets. Manual’s final hitter was ruled out after his hit was caught, marking the third and final out of the inning and the game.
Manual’s freshman boys’ baseball team lost 7-3, with their next scheduled game against North Oldham on Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m.
