The Buccs used a three-run homer by David Moss and solid defense to hand Versailles a 5-2 defeat.

March 30, 2007 – VERSAILLES
The Covington Buccaneers used a three-run first inning and solid defense to hold off Versailles for a 5-2 victory in out of conference play.

Versailles was able to put the bat on the ball, spreading out 11 hits throughout the contest. But the Buccaneer defense made enough plays to keep the Tigers from putting enough points on the scoreboard.

"It was good to bounce back after Tuesday," said Covington coach Mitch Hirsch in regards to his team's defensive effort. "We played good defense today and that was key."

Covington jumped out in front in its first at bat as Kyle Kanet and Gene Studebaker each drew walks. David Moss came to the plate and hit an opposite field homer to right that just cleared the fence.

"It was nice to jump on them early after what happened Tuesday (Anna putting up four runs in the first inning)," stated Hirsch. "David (Moss) got the big hit there that got us going."

Moss also was stellar from the mound as he went the distance for the Buccs. Although he allowed 11 hits, he stuck out four and didn't have a single walk.

"David threw well," Hirsch continued. "Versailles is a good hitting team, but he never got rattled and kept his composure."

Versailles cut into the Buccaneer lead in the bottom half of the second. Sparked by a beautifully executed double play to end a Covington scoring opportunity, the Tigers got the bats out as Tony McNeilan scored on a double by Jonathan Murphy.

Meanwhile, Jordan Liette was in control of the Buccaneer hitters - holding Covington scoreless for four straight innings. Liette also went the distance, allowing 7 hits and striking out 7 batters.

Brent Shively opened the the sixth with a single and Kyle Kanet followed with a walk. The next batter, Arliss Clark hit a hard grounder to third that was mishandled allowing Shively to score.

Versailles responded in the bottom of the sixth as McNeilan scored his second run of the game to close the gap to 4-2.

"A two-run lead is not a comfortable lead against a team like Versailles," said Hirsch.

The Buccs gave themselves a little breathing room in the top of the seventh as Nate Lavy tripled to start off the inning. Tyler Kanet followed with a perfectly executed bunt that squeezed Lavy in for a 5-2 lead.

"Tyler's squeeze was big," Hirsch said. "That was a big run."

Moss and the Buccaneers then closed the show in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the win.

Covington committed two errors in the contest. But neither resulted in runs, which is something Hirsch was pleased about.

"They (Versailles) hit the ball hard and we let a couple get away from us," Hirsch described. "But we didn't let the bad things snowball on us like we have in the passed. That's encouraging."

Covington improves its record to 1-0-1 with the one tie left undecided until May 5th when Anna and the Buccs plan to finish the game. The Buccs begin conference play on Monday in a home game against Franklin Monroe.

Scoring by innings:
Covington ..........3.....0.....0.....0.....0.....1.....1 - 5
Versailles ...........0.....1.....0.....0.....0.....1.....0 - 2

Records:
Covington: 1-0-1
Versailles: 1-3

Winning Pitcher: Moss (Covington)
Losing Pitcher: Liette (Versailles)