The Switzerland County High School varsity baseball team played its first game of the season this past Wednesday, April 5th, and suffered a 5-3 home loss to South Dearborn.
“It was the first game of the season, and nerves helped contribute to an early 5-0 deficit,” coach Shannon Barger said. “We fought our way back, but could not get a big hit when we needed it. We still have a lot of room for improvement. Tyler May threw a great game, giving up four hits and one earned run.”
Tyler May pitched seven innings, getting five strikeouts while giving up only three walks and one earned run.
In the fifth inning with one out, Pacer Bryan Levell reached base on an error and stole second. Then with two outs, Bryan Levell scored on a single by Travis Webster; and T.J. Sefton followed with a single. Travis Webster then scored on a single by Tyler May; and T.J. Sefton scored when the centerfielder misplayed the single.
Travis Webster and Tyler May each had an RBI; and Travis Webster, T.J. Sefton and Bryan Levell each scored a run. Bryan Levell, Kris Hetrick, T.J. Sefton and Travis Webster all had a hit each; while Tyler May had two hits.
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The varsity Pacers played their second game this past Monday, and again fell, losing to South Ripley by a 9-2 score at home.
In the third inning the Pacers were down 1-0 when Cody Peters walked with two outs and went to third base on a single by Travis Webster. Then, as part of the double steal, Travis Webster stole second and Cody Peters scored to tie up the game.
In the sixth inning, the Raiders scored five runs to take a 6-1 lead, and that proved too much for Switzerland County to overcome.
The Pacers scored their final run of the contest on doubles by Travis Webster and Tyler May.
“Cody Peters threw terrific for five innings, but then he got tired and had trouble with his control. I waited about two batters too long to take him out,” coach Shannon Barger said. “South Ripley took advantage of our defensive mistakes and took control of the game. We were not aggressive at the plate and struck out three times. We have to do a better job of putting the ball in play.”
Travis Webster had two hits and scored one run; while Cody Peters scored the other run. Tyler May had a hit and one RBI, Brandon Otter also had a hit.
Cody Peters pitched 5 1/3 innings with three earned runs, five strikeouts, and five walks. Travis Webster pitched 1 2/3 innings with three earned runs, one strikeouts and no walks.
The team returns to action this Saturday at home against Austin for a 10 a.m. doubleheader.