FORT SCOTT, Kan. (NCMCPirates.com) – The Pirates lost a high scoring, wild affair in the first game Sunday against Fort Scott. The Greyhounds took the win in walk-off fashion after coming from behind in the final inning for the 15-14 victory.
Going into the bottom of the 7th, the Pirates clung to a slim one run advantage. Pitcher Ryan Sport quickly lost that lead and Fort Scott loaded the bases with one out looking to capture the win. A slowly hit ground ball went to second baseman Quinsley Balentien who made an excellent play to cut down the runner at second base. Shortstop Enrique Madera‘s return throw to first in an attempt to complete the double play, which would have sent the game into extra innings, was just a shade late and the winning run crossed the plate. “I still believe that we turned that double play,” commented Coach Hillerman who was ejected at the conclusion of the game for arguing that call.
Curtis Mitchell went 4-5 with 2 homeruns and drove in 6 in the losing effort. Brendley Martina also added a long ball. Connor Quick went 3-5 and Quinsley Balentien contributed a hit and 4 walks.
“This game didn’t lack offense. It was nice to see us swing the bat that well. Now we just need to tighten things up on the mound and in the field. You don’t win many games when you give up 15 runs,” remarked Coach Hudlow.
The Pirates broke through with a come from behind win in the second game of the double header on Sunday. Trailing 7-4 heading into the final inning, sophomore Ryan Sport started things off with a single. From there, hitters kept grinding away to get to the next guy. That approach proved fruitful with the Pirates scoring 4 to take an 8-7 lead into the bottom of the 7th. Freshman Trae Brownell was able to keep the Fort Scott offense at bay to secure the win.
“Early in the game we looked mentally fatigued. Our pitchers threw great but we still gave up 7 runs due to mental lapses. I was very proud of the way our guys were able to respond and come from behind for the win. That showed a no-quit attitude that should benefit us in the future,” commented Coach Suttenfield who managed the team with Coach Hillerman serving the mandatory one-game suspension for his earlier ejection.
Trae Brownell earned the win in relief. Brendley Martina had a nice game at the plate going 3-4 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI’s. Pinch hitter Austin Satterfield also had a big double in the comeback inning.
The Pirates dropped their season opener on Saturday to Fort Scott Community College 14-6. “The weather was great and it was nice to be outside competing against someone other than ourselves,” commented Coach Hillerman following the game.
The Pirates jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on Austin Satterfield‘s 3-run homer. It was his first collegiate at-bat and one he will likely never forget. “Satterfield got in an advantage count, got his fastball, and didn’t miss it,” remarked assistant coach Tyler Hudlow.
The Pirates lead was short lived as the Greyhounds were able to put up 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning and didn’t look back. “Fort Scott just executed better than we did in all facets of the game. They were able to take care of the little details needed to win,” commented assistant coach Ryan Suttenfield.
Quinsley Balentien also homered for the Pirates. Connor Quick was the steadiest offensive performer going 3-3 with 2 runs scored in the losing effort. Brenden Garza took the loss on the mound giving up 6 earned runs in 3.2 innings of work.
In the second game of the double header the Pirates didn’t fare much better. They dropped this game 10-3 to fall to 0-2 on the year.
“There are lessons to be learned for our young team. Hopefully, we learn them quickly and can reach our athletic potential,” stated Hillerman.
Defensive miscues allowed the game to get away from the Pirates early on. Pitcher Wade Phillips threw the ball better than his stats would show. He took the loss while giving up 8 total runs in 4 innings pitched.
Catcher Jared Fry had a nice game with the bat going 3-4 with one run and one RBI. Quick added a double and a triple for the Pirates who were outhit 12-9 in the contest.
