Hilltoppers go 0-4 for the week - suffer two one-run losses

[April 24, 2017]  The emphasis is still on youth as the Mount Pulaski Baseball Team is heavy on freshmen and sophomores who are carrying a pretty big burden of competing against much more experienced varsity competition. The silver lining in the scenario is just wait a couple years, Hilltoppers, and your time will come.

In the meantime, the team suffered two one-run losses last week against school’s known for being baseball powerhouses.

Monday, Riverton

First on Monday the Hilltoppers took a 2-1 loss at Riverton and a 10-9 loss at Heyworth on Tuesday.

The loss last Monday afternoon to Riverton was heartbreaking as the two teams battled each other through six scoreless innings until Mount Pulaski broke through with a run in the top of the seventh inning. The lead was short-lived as Riverton came back with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and defeated Mount Pulaski 2-1.

The Hilltoppers got hits from Joey Davis, Todd Kelly, Eli Griesheim, Ben Fricke and Tanner Farris in the game, with Logan DeRight getting the lone RBI.

DeRight took the loss for Mount Pulaski, giving up four hits and two runs while striking out five batters.

Tuesday, Heyworth

On Tuesday versus Heyworth, the Hilltoppers struck first with a run in the top of the first inning and then added another run in the top of the third.

The 2-0 lead disappeared in the bottom of the third as the Hornets scored three runs off starter Tanner Farris. The Hornets got to Farris for two more runs each in the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings to take a 7-2 lead.

Mount Pulaski never gave up and came back with five-run sixth inning to tie the game. Eli Griesheim came in to pitch in relief and the Hornets stung the Hilltoppers for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Mount Pulaski fell short of a comeback in the top of the seventh, scoring two more runs but suffering the 10-9 loss.

The Hilltoppers offense did pound out ten hits. DeRight led the way by going 2-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. Davis was also 2-for-5 and he knocked in two runs. Fricke was 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Brandon Kretzinger, Eli Olson, Jonathan Shehorn, Farris and Griesheim also recorded base hits.

Thursday, Glasford

Thursday afternoon the Hilltoppers traveled to Glasford to take on Illini Bluffs. That contest ended quickly in five innings as the Tigers dominated the Hilltoppers and won easily 10-0.

Mount Pulaski did manage to squeak out five hits but could not get a run across for starter Todd Kelly. Kelly took the loss while allowing six earned runs on six hits and striking out two batters.

Saturday, Springfield Lanphier

On Saturday Mount Pulaski had a non-conference game versus Springfield Lanphier.

Lanphier had a 7-0 lead after the first two innings of play but in the fourth inning the Hilltoppers finally got a run across the plate.

Mount Pulaski added two more runs in the top of the fifth inning but the Lions answered back with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Mount Pulaski was facing an 11-3 deficit going into the seventh inning. The Hilltoppers scored twice more before being shut down by the Lions, 11-5 the final score.

Mount Pulaski’s offense, which included ten hits, was led by Todd Kelly and Tanner Farris. Kelly was 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI while Farris was also 3-for-4 at the plate. Braydin Lanners had a hit and an RBI for Mount Pulaski. Fricke, who continues to be on a tear, had a double and an RBI for the Hilltoppers. Davis and Olson also had hits for Mount Pulaski.

Fricke started on the mound for Mount Pulaski and the sophomore took the loss for the Hilltoppers.

Coach Joel Washko summed the week up in this manner, “We had a tough couple losses earlier in the week. We just are struggling to put everything together right now. It’s frustrating but it’s a product of having a young team. We have three weeks left of the regular season, so hopefully we can start putting everything together.”

Mount Pulaski’s record falls to 2-12 on the season. This week the Hilltoppers return home for three games.

Monday Springfield Lutheran/Calvary home 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday Hartsburg-Emden home 4:30 p.m.
Thursday Leroy home 4:30 p.m.

[Teena Lowery]