Game Rundown: The 2019 home opener for the Titans had a little bit of everything; extra inning, umpires calling the game early, back and forth action, lots of strikeouts, clutch hitting, you name it!
For West, Braden Allison was a bulldog on the mound, allowing 3 runs over 7 innings while striking out 9. Central Catholic pitchers wouldn't be outdone, however, as Jackson Elder and Charlie Steuer combined to limit West to 3 runs while striking out 12. Overall, both teams' pitchers managed to hold the competing hitters in check, keeping the offensive damage to a minimum.
Central Catholic struck first putting up one run in the top of the first, but West was quick to answer putting up one run of their own in the bottom of the second. For the most part, the game was a seesaw battle, with one team scoring and the other answering. With the Titans grasping a slim 3-2 lead in the 6th, Central Catholic managed to tie the game. With the score tied after seven innings, the match-up would move into extra inning. In the top of the 8th Central Catholic put up a big inning, taking the lead. Before West could bat in the bottom of the 8th, umpires made the decision to call the game because they felt it was too dark to continue. As in the previous game, because the last inning was not completed the score reverts to the last full inning, resulting in a 3-3 tie.
Players of note: Tanner Keene (3-4, 1 RBI), Braden Allison (7 IP, 3 ER, 9 K)
Inside the numbers: This was the second straight game for West called to darkness. This was the first extra inning game of the year for the Titans. Tanner Keene led all hitters with 3 base knocks. Braden Allison K'd 9 Central Catholic batters. West Salem hitters struck out a season high 12 times.
Up next: West Salem faces off against South Medford on Saturday at Scio High School. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM. South Medford will play South Salem at Scio before matching up against the Titans.
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