In Non-Conference action the Greenwood Bulldogs Baseball team hosted Charleston on Thursday night.
It took five innings of baseball to decide the winner between Charleston and Greenwood. The Bulldogs would take the win 11-1. Greenwood came into the contest 12-5 and 8-0 in conference. Earlier this week the ‘Dogs took care of business against Siloam Springs, beating the Panthers 12-0 in the first game and then 2-0 in the second game.
Starting pitcher on the night was Senior Hunter Houston pitched 4 innings allowing one hit, one run, and one strikeout in his time on the mound. Junior Austin Mitchell saw action in the top of the 5th not giving giving up any hits. His time would be short lived as Greenwood would finish off the game in the bottom of the 5th.
Harrison Adams would get the first of 7 hits for the Bulldogs getting a single. A deep hit to right field from Sophomore Grant Karnes would result in Harrison Adams getting across the plate. The speedy Karnes would get to third on the play. An errant pitch from Charleston and a quick run from Grant Karnes would put the ‘Dogs on top 2-0 before the side retired.
Harrison Adams would get the second hit of the night with another single. Sophomore Scott Holland would make it to home plate to make it 3-0. Senior Dawson Holt would sprint from 3rd to get Greenwood their 4th score. A single that quickly turned into double for the batter, would bring in Adams. Junior Braden Skaggs would hit a double that would bring in Grant Karnes and Brady Pettigrew putting the score 7-0 in the bottom of the 2nd.
Both sides would become relatively quiet after Charleston’s lone run in the top of the 3rd. In the bottom of the 4th the Tigers would get a double-play to retire Greenwood. Top of the 5th saw Austin Mitchell make his way to the mound. To not be out done, a hit to first base is caught by Brady Pettigrew, he tags the base then throws to 2nd Baseman Dawson Holt who gets the Tiger runner out completing their Double-Play. Charleston’s last batter strikes out to send them to the dugout.
Greenwood took over the bottom of the 5th to put the game away. A double from Weston Pschier, brings in Ashsin Vinci and Jaxon Cole to push the Greenwood lead to 9-1. With Harrison Adams at bat, Austin Bercher makes it to Home Plate. Another Adams single brings in Pschier with the score 11-1.
The game would end run ruled.
“First of all we had a really good crowd tonight. We haven’t played at home in awhile so I want to thank everybody for keeping in tune with what we are doing and showing up to watch us play. It’s been a road stretch for three weeks now.” Head Coach Brandon Brewer said.
“We put runs up, we took our bases when we had too, and had some discipline.” Coach Brewer said when talking about 11 runs on 7 hits. “I think we can turn it up a little bit more.”
A noticeable change in the team is the culture that is beginning to show not just with on the field play, but with off field as well. “We speak all the time about them raising their standards, and it is not just the standards of Baseball. We are talking about the standards of life. We start doing things right off the field it translates on the field. We have stressed hard about them going and taking care of their classwork. About working hard in the weight room. About being involved in the community. What happens is these kids grow up and they become citizens of Greenwood, and if we are really good at Baseball then that is the cherry on top.” said Coach Brewer
The Bulldogs will be in action again on Tuesday as they take on Conference foe Mountain Home in a double header. Game Times are 4:30 and 7:00 in Greenwood.
