Cooper (5-2) pitched the complete game versus Athens, allowing
one run on seven hits. He struck out 10 batters and walked none.
Cooper only threw 98 pitches in the game.
The Hilltoppers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. With two
outs, Landon Smith took first base on a hit by pitch and Jackson
Fricke followed with a single to left field. The next three
batters, Liam Smith, Clay Aylesworth and Gavin Smith each
walked, forcing in two runs for Mount Pulaski.
The Hilltoppers 2-0 lead was threatened in the fifth inning by
the Warriors. After two quick strikeouts, Athens came up with a
double and a single to score a run. The Warriors left the tying
run stranded at third base as Cooper induced a ground out for
the third out.
The Hilltoppers scored a couple insurance runs in the bottom of
the fifth inning. Back-to-back walks to Cooper and Landon Smith
to start the inning were a plus. Both players were able to
advance around the base paths quickly via steals and a wild
pitch, with Cooper even scoring on a steal of home. Fricke also
added a sacrifice fly to score Smith and make the score 4-1.
Once again, Cooper sat down the batters in order in each of the
sixth and seventh innings. He actually struck out the side in
the seventh inning in impressive fashion.
Mount Pulaski won the Tomahawk Conference game by a final score
of 4-1.
The Hilltoppers won the game on just two hits. The Warriors did
allow six walks in the game.
Jackson Fricke had a single and Liam Smith crushed a double that
nearly left the park.
The Hilltoppers finish the Tomahawk Conference with a record of
4-2.
Overall the Hilltoppers improved to 18-3 on the season.
Mount Pulaski is scheduled to play Cornerstone Christian today
at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Park.
[Teena Lowery] |