JACKSON, Ohio — The Waverly Post 142 Shockers fell a run shy from picking up their third win of the season Thursday in Jackson, Ohio, as they were defeated by Jackson Post 81 5-4.
Shockers coach Jonathan Teeters didn’t need to elaborate much on what cost his team the game.
“We struggled throwing strikes early and didn’t get enough timely hits when we could have played add on,” Teeters said.
In the top of the first inning, Waverly Post 142 got off to a good start offensively.
With two outs in the inning, three-hole hitter, Eli Daniels blasted a double, which was then followed up by a single by Jared Alley. Daniels scored on the hit to give the Shockers a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the first, Jackson Post 81 collected three consecutive walks off Shockers pitcher Hayden Baker. Despite starting the inning with three walks, the Shockers were able to get out of the inning without giving up a run.
Waverly Post 142 got two outs in the inning by thwarting stealing attempts by Jackson Post 81 and then got their final out thanks to a 4-3 ground out from second baseman Shawn Mersiel to Jared Alley.
The Shockers added another run in the top of the third as catcher Derek Burk scored after Daniels hit his second double of the game, giving Post 142 a 2-0 lead over Jackson Post 81.
Post 81 answered in their half of the inning though, scoring a pair of runs before the Shockers were able to get off the field.
After three innings, Jackson Post 81 had come back to erase Waverly Post 142’s two-run lead, tying the game 2-2.
The Shockers came back in the fifth inning to retake their previously held lead.
Logan Kottenbrook started the inning off with a single for Waverly Post 142. The inning continued thanks to an error by Jackson Post 81, which saw Burk reach safely. Both Kottenbrook and Burk would eventually score, giving the Shockers another two-run lead, 4-2, their second two-run lead of the game.
Post 142’s lead wouldn’t last long however, as Post 81 put together their second two-run inning of the game in the bottom of the fifth. Jackson Post 81 sent the game into the top of the sixth inning tied, 4-4.
Both teams were unable to score in the sixth inning, sending the game to the seventh inning still tied.
The Shockers threatened in the top of the seventh inning. Alley stood on third base, but remained 90 feet from home plate as Post 142 ended their inning with two straight strikeouts.
Post 81 would have better luck in their half of the seventh inning, as they scored one run to end the game and gain a one-run victory over Waverly Post 142, 5-4.
“(It) seemed like both teams tonight were trying to give it away,” Teeters said. “It just came down to who was gonna make the big play or have the big hit and they came out on top.”
PITCHING
The Shockers sent three pitchers to the mound Thursday against Jackson Post 81. Hayden Baker got the start, pitching three innings of work. He allowed two earned runs, while walking six batters and striking out two.
Eric Cook made a relief appearance on the mound. He pitched two and two-thirds innings issuing three walks and striking out a pair of batters.
JR Noble had an inning’s worth of work Thursday. He allowed one run off two hits.
HITTING
Eli Daniels and Jared Alley had successful nights from the plate. Daniels went 3-for-4 with two doubles. He also drove in a run. Alley had a 1-for-3 night, driving in a run.
UP NEXT
The Shockers will take the diamond once again Sunday afternoon for a double-header. Waverly Post 142 will host Court House Post 25. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
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