Game Run Down: The Southridge Skyhawks struck first in game one of the 2019 season, but could muster little else against the West Salem Titans. Southridge leadoff hitter, Darik Salinas, doubled down the 3rd base line to get the Skyhawks going in the bottom of the 1st. Salinas would eventually score on a base hit. The Skyhawks managed one more run in the bottom of the 5th when Harrison Hunynh was hit by a pitch and came around to score later in the inning. Overall, West Salem starting pitcher Lucas Stanfield was able to hold Southridge at bay over the course of 5 strong innings. Stanfield gave up 2 earned runs on 4 hits and struck out 9 over those 5 innings.
Offensively, West Salem started off slow, scoring just 1 run over the first 4 innings. Things changed in the 5th when West plated 4 runs. In the top of the 6th, the Titan bats put the game away with a huge 9 run inning. Offensive standouts for West included Noah Juarez (3-4, 2 RBI), Tanner Keene (2-3, 4 RBI), Kyle Mitsuyasu (1-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI), and Marshall Bray (1-3, 3 runs). Impressively, 8 of the 9 starters scored a run for the Titans.
Interesting note: Although the Titans scored 13 runs the final score was 4-2. Why? By rule, if teams cannot complete a full inning (both teams bat or the home team is ahead after the top of the inning) the score reverts to the last full inning. West scored 9 in the top of the 6th, but umpires called the game due to darkness before Southridge (the home team) had a chance to bat in the bottom of the 6th. Hence, the 4-2 final score.
Congrats to Coach Blair! The 4-2 victory was the first of Coach Blair's head coaching career.
Up Next: The West Salem Titans host Central Catholic on Friday at 5 PM. This game was originally set for Tuesday, March 12th but needed to be rescheduled due to rain. This will be West's home opener for the 2019 season. It will be the 2nd game of the season for both squads as West is 1-0 and Central Catholic plays West Linn on Thursday (3/14).
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