The Covington Buccaneers enjoyed their talent as they run ruled Tri-Village in five innings, 16-1.

April 27, 2007 – COVINGTON
With the weather reeking havoc on the schedule, teams will do almost anything to get in a game - even moving the game to the visiting team's home field.

That's what happened Friday night as the Covington vs Tri-Village contest was moved to Covington just hours before the game. The Buccs took advantage by run ruling the Patriots 16-1.

"I'm just glad we were able to get the game in," said Hirsch, who's team had a cancellation on Thursday night. "It was just good to be out there playing again."

Hirsch has been itching to get his team out on the diamond again after three lackluster efforts in a row, one a sloppy fiasco at Mississinawa Valley on Tuesday. In that contest Covington gave up three unearned runs in a 5-3 win.

"We talked to the kids about how we've played and they know they're better than that," described Hirsch. "We were a different team tonight."

Indeed they were.

Covington hit the ball all over the ball park in recording 13 hits, including six doubles and a home run.

Gene Studebaker and David Moss were the ring leaders as Studebaker went 2 for 3 with a home and three RBI, while Moss was 4 for 4 with three double and six RBI.

Kyle Kanet also had a big night at the plate by batting 2 for 3 with two double and two RBI. Chris "Cookie" Long also doubled in his first varsity at bat of the season.

"The pitching we've been facing the last few games was similar to tonight," Hirsch explained. "We just had to stay patient at the plate and let the pitches come to us. We found good pitches to hit and hit them hard."

None were as hard as the third inning round-tripper by Studebaker that cleared the fence over right-center field. It was pleasing to Hirsch because he finally saw the smile come across Studebaker's face.

"Gene is so hard on himself," Hirsch said. "He's gotten a hit in seven out of eight games, but he expects to get a hit every time up. That's what makes him the player he is."

Hitting wasn't the only aspect of the game Covington was successful. Pitching and defense was stellar as well.

Andy Sparks went the distance on the mound, recording 5 strikeouts and just three walks. With the help of his defense, he only gave up four hits on the night.

The victory was gratifying, but the way his team performed was even more gratifying because Hirsch finally saw his team perform the way they are capable of.

"I've told these kids they can be as good as they want to be," said Hirsch. "When they play like this - where they are having fun - they are fun to watch. We look like our old selves tonight."

The victory improves Covington's record to 11-1 on the season and 7-0 in the Cross County Conference. The Buccs battle St. Henry in a double-header on Saturday.

Scoring by innings:
Covington ............2....3....5....0....6 - 16
Tri-Village ............1....0....0....0....0 - 1