NEW MARKET – Southmont’s baseball team had a couple bright spots o focus on, but the end result was still an 8-2 Sagamore Conference loss to Lebanon.
The Mounties drop to 4-14 on the season and 0-11 in the league, while the Tigers sweep the two-game series this week and move to 10-11 overall and 5-6 in the league.
South got some runners on late in the game, and got a two-hit performance from Ryan Bowman.
They also got some good news in their last at-bat, when Adam Cox came in to pinch hit.
Cox has been out since early in the season with a torn hamstring, and his return is a boost to Mounties morale.
“It’s good to start to see him healthy,” South Coach Bill Woods said of the senior who was going to be his squad’s No. 1 pitcher. “We plan to have him throw some next week, and possibly get some work against North Montgomery (South’s final conference game late next week). “We might be able to get a few swings for him if he pitches.”
The Tigers scored two in the first, three in the fourth and again in the fifth. They chased Carter Hubble from the mound in the fourth and picked up the loss. Cale Chadd and Gunnar Shirk also pitched.
Overall, Lebanon picked up seven hits. Bryce Nelson led the way with two hits and two runs scored.
South got on the board in the sixth when Dylan Howell walked and eventually scored all the way from second base on a wild pitch that got back and away.
Bowman singled in the seventh and eventually scored on an infield single by Phisher Benge.
For the night, the Mounties had six hits.
“It was nice to see Bowman and Benge come through,” Woods said. “Everything is about getting ready for the end of the season and the sectional, so having guys step up with hits is good. “
Ethan Coffman itched into the sixth inning for the Tigers and picked up the win.
“We’ve been more competitive these last games,” Woods said. “These young guys are learning every day, and working through all the learning moments. Every minute of experience is valuable as we head towards the sectional. I like where we are at with these young guys, and how hard they are working
The Mounties travel to Attica Friday and have Western Boone next Monday and Tuesday in Sagamore action before facing North next Friday. They also take on Cloverdale next Thursday.
“We are 3-0 this week,” Tigers coach Rick Cosgray said. “It’s been good. We have gotten good pitching, Coffman threw well tonight after a good outing against Noblesville. He had good command. We are working on getting consistent in all phases of our game – getting good defense, and hitting the ball well. We just need to be good at the fundamentals and the basics. The season is the buildup for the sectionals and with the success we had last season (A sectional title) we have guys who know what needs to be done. I think we are getting there.”
The Tigers were led by Bryce Nelson, as the sophomore had a pair of singles, scored twice and drove in one.
Caleb Linton reached three times and scored twice while driving in one. Cannon Morton had two RBI's
Coffman got the win, and was relieved by Caleb McClain, who made his first varsity appearance of the season. The Tigers took advantage of five walks in the fourth, scoring runs on three of them. Four singles drove in the fifth inning runs.
The Tigers have a home game Friday against Delphi, and have Danville in conference action next Monday and Tuesday. They also have a home game with Crawfordsville next Friday.
