Pioneers Split with Yellowjackets

7-1 in Conference Play

Carl's Scorecard - Game #1

Carl's Scorecard - Game #2

published Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2006

The Pioneers moved to 7-1 in Conference play yesterday on the road, when they split with the Wynne Yellowjackets. It was a pitching duel all the way, with the twist of a 20 mph cross wind in very dusty field conditions. The Pioneers managed 11 hits in the first game, although three of their four runs came as the result of Yellowjacket errors. Pitcher Evay Eary completely shut down the Yellowjacket offense allowing only 2 hits and 2 walks, and picking up an outstanding 14 strikeouts to end any hopes of a Yellowjacket sweep of the Pioneers. After winning the opener 4-1 the Pioneers were in high spirits for the nightcap game. Pitching dominated the game with only five Pioneers and three Yellowjackets hitting. The Yellowjackets defied every Pioneer attempt to score with no runner even advancing to third. The sole run of the game came in the bottom of the sixth when a wild pitch allowed the Yellowjackets to take the lead with what would become the winning run.

In the first game the Pioneers score in the third, when Nick Davidson hits, steals and advances on a passed ball, and is scored by Chris Milum's second hit of the night. The Yellowjackets tie the score in the bottom of the fourth when a lead off walk eventually leads to a score after an infield error by the Pioneers. The Pioneers return the favor and capitalize on Wynne's errors after hits by Aaron Thornton and Jason Angel put Thornton at third and courtesy runner Ross Simpson at second. The pitcher throws the ball away after fielding a Addison Rayford infield hit and Thornton and Simpson cross the plate to bring the score to 3-1. The Pioneers add icing to the cake in the fourth when Milum doubles and is relieved by courtesy runner Kyle McMullin. McMullin advances to third when Thornton hits and then scores on another Wynne error, to bring the score to it's final point of 4-1 Pioneers. Winning Pitcher; Eary. Hitting for the Pioneers; Platt(1b) Davidson(1b) Davis(1b) Angel(2b,1b) Eary(1b) Thornton(2x1b) Milum(2b,2x1b).

The nightcap game was a quick one, with the Pioneers never even reaching third safely and only one Yellowjacket doing so. The Pioneers while struggling to hit, played great defensive ball behind Rayford turning double plays in the third and fifth innings and held the Yellowjackets at bay until the bottom of the sixth inning. A walk and a double put the lead runner at third and a wild pitch up the backstop by Rayford would eventually seal the night for the Pioneers. Although the Pioneer hitter Nick Davidson tried to lead a two out rally in the top of the seventh, it was not to be for the Pioneers and a fielder's choice ended their hopes for a sweep of Wynne and undefeated conference play. Losing Pitcher; Rayford. Hitting for the Pioneers; Platt(1b) Thornton(1b) Angel(1b) Davidson(2x1b).

The Pioneers play Thursday in a Varsity, JV schedule against Cabot.