Mistakes add up to 2-1 loss in low-scoring affair

MADRAS, Ore. – In a quick-moving game from Madras, the Huskies hurt themselves with small mistakes here and there; mistakes that can’t go down in the error column but yet can lose you games. The teams combined for seven hits in what could be called a pitcher’s duel between Palmer of Madras and Moore of North Marion. The Huskies struggles at times with the simple things such as succ

essfully laying down a sacrifice bunt to merely catching the ball doomed North Marion in the 2-1 painful loss from Madras Friday evening.

The Huskies struck first in the hits category when Zach Williamson reached on an infield single. Williamson was advanced to third, but he was stranded there after a ground out and a strike out ended the North Marion threat.

The first run of the game did not come until the bottom of the third inning, when the White Buffaloes scored just a single run. A single down the right field line – which is a common place for opposing teams’ hits as of late – got the baserunner on, and he later scored via a passed ball. Although it was just one run, one felt like it may play a vital role in the game’s outcome, as runs were coming at a premium.

Despite the deficit, North Marion got themselves right back in things when they picked up one run of their own in the following half inning. Zach got his second base hit in as many at bats when he hit a ball up the middle. Hopper reached on a walk, and it was runners on first and second by the time Wyatt Moore stepped in. He continued to earn himself the ‘clutch’ title, as he drove in the tying run off of a deeply driven ball to left-center field. Wyatt trotted into second while Brandan cruised home. With Danny Robles at bat, a defining moment in the game took place. A very debatable call was made after Danny knocked a double play ball to shortstop. North Marion’s runner at second was easily out, but the relay appeared to be very late to get Robles at first, nor did the first baseman have his foot on the bag. Nonetheless, the out was called and Wampole’s run did not count.

Some of the oddest plays that you can see in baseball all came in a row in the ensuing innings. A batted ball hit an advancing White Buffalo, forcing offensive interference to be called and the runner to be announced out. On the following play, a Madras runner did not slide when going into second base, forcing another de facto out to be called. The interesting plays did not stop there, as Nat Barrel’s originally-called foul ball was found to be a catcher’s interference, granting Nat first base.

Madras pushed across the go ahead run – and what would turn out to be the winning run – in the bottom of the fifth after the number nine hitter reached on a missed catch at first, followed up by an RBI triple. The 2-1 lead would stick through the final few innings, and Madras came away victorious.

The Huskies had multiple opportunities in their half of the sixth inning, but ended the inning with two runners in scoring position.

Despite his solid play of four hits and one earned run allowed, Wyatt Moore was handed the loss on the mound. Palmer for Madras allowed three hits and just one earned run, while striking out nine to earn the win.

Multi-hit days on the North Marion side of things solely came from Zach Williamson. Moore was to credit for the third and final base hit, and also the one RBI on his double.

The Huskies and White Buffaloes take a two day hiatus before returning to the diamond on Monday, this time from Bob Brack Stadium. North Marion will be looking to even up their league record once again, as after Friday’s loss they drop to 4-5 and below .500 in Tri-Valley play.

#2012 #regularseason #gamerecap