April 9, 2008 – COVINGTON
Through the first four games Covington coach Mitch Hirsch has been waiting for his team to break out offensively.

The Buccs did just that Wednesday afternoon with a 25-0 shellacking over Mississinawa Valley.

"I guess you could say we finally broke out of our hitting slump," Hirsch said. "We've had problems getting hits with runners in scoring position, but that wasn't a problem tonight. The kids swung the bats very well.

In a game that was called after in the top of the fifth, Covington scored 24 of its 25 runs in the first two innings and pounded out 15 hits in the contest. The Buccs scored 12 runs in the first, 12 in the second and one in the third.

"When you get out to a big lead that fast it's easy to lose your focus," said Hirsch. "We've gotten out to big leads in the past and actually lost. Two years ago we went to Bradford and lost after getting like a 9-0 lead. This team is different. They stay on each other to keep their focus and continue swinging the bats regardless of the score."

The offensive onslaught by Covington was a surprise to Hirsch as Mississinawa Valley came in with wins over Arcanum and Ansonia. The one loss for the Blackhawks was a 1-0 score against Franklin Monroe.

"They've played pretty well, so I am a little surprised," said Hirsch. "They beat us last year, so we were definitely ready to play. We just got on a roll."

As impressive as the Buccaneer hitters were at the plate, freshman Jake Bitner was just as impressive on the mound.

In his first varsity start, Bitner hurled a one-hitter and struck out nine batters in the four innings of work.

"This was a good way for him to get his first start under his belt," Hirsch said. "He was a little nervous and walked the first batter. But he settled down and pitched really well."

Bitner also helped himself at the plate by driving in three runs, while Kyle Kanet continued to put up impressive numbers with a 3-for-4 night, two doubles and five RBI.

"Kyle has been swinging the bat really well," Hirsch stated. "He's probably our most consistent hitter right now."

Plenty of other Buccaneers had big nights at the plate as Adam Craft was 3-for-3 with 3 RBI, Darrell Thobe went 2-for-3 with two doubles, Brent Shively was 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, and David Moss was 2-for-3 with 1 RBI.

Covington improves to 3-2 (1-0 in the CCC) and travels to Miami East tomorrow night.

Scoring by Innings:
Mississinawa .........0......0...0...0...x - 0 ...... 1 ... 7
Covington .............12...12...1...0...x - 25 .. 15 .. 0