NEW MARKET – North Montgomery took advantage of sloppy defensive play by Sagamore Conference and county rival Southmont on Saturday. The Chargers defeated the Mounties 12-2 to complete a two-game sweep this season.
Southmont committed nine errors in the game.
Charger coach Ryan Nuppnau said a key in the game was the fact his players did a good job of putting the ball in play forcing Southmont to make defensive plays.
“We have been striking out too much lately and it was good to see us to put the ball in play,” Nuppnau said “We were able to take advantage of their errors and situations.”
The Chargers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jarrod Kirsch doubled and scored when DH Jordan Miller singled for his first of two RBI in the game.
The Mounties quickly responded in their half of the first inning. Adam Cox led off with a single followed by a single from Chayse Howell. A hit batter loaded up the bases and Nick Scott scored Cox with on a groundout to second base which tied the score at 1-1.
The Chargers were able to take the lead for good in the second inning when Brookes Walters scored the Chargers’ first of eleven unearned runs in the game.
North Montgomery scored seven runs in the third inning to take a commanding 9-1 lead.. The Chargers had three hits in the inning and took advantage of four Mountie miscues .
Southmont’s nine errors negated effective pitching by three Mountie hurlers. Mountie coach Winninger said his team did not give themselves much of a chance in the game. The Mountie pitching held the Chargers to just one earned run.
The Chargers used three pitchers in the game. Jarrod Kirsch picked up the win in two innings or work. He gave way to brother Jakob who sruck out three while facing eight batters in his two innings.
Dylan Braun sat the Mounties down in order to complete the five-inning game.
The trio of North Montgomery pitchers only allowed one earned run while striking out six Mounties and not issuing any walks.
“Nine errors and that pretty much sums it up right there,” Mountie coach Brad Winninger said. “ Last night (Friday) we played good defense against Danville in a 4-0 loss. But, that is how we have been playing this year. We will continue to work on it.”
Both teams have tough tests this week. The Chargers will play county rival Crawfordsville on Tuesday and Wednesday while the Mounties will play two games against Lebanon.
