MAY 4, 2010 - ANSONIA
After a 4-0 loss to Mississinawa Valley just one week ago Covington coach Mitch Hirsch ripped into his team - pretty much giving his young players an ultimatum - either start playing the way they are capable of or pack it in.

And the young Buccaneers have responded, playing their best baseball of the season in the past week - winning three of five contests, including a 14-1 shellacking of Ansonia in five innings on Tuesday.

"We're playing pretty well," said Hirsch of his Buccs' performance over the past week. "Even in the loss to Twin Valley South (on Monday), we were one hit away from winning that one."

Covington got the big hits Tuesday as it jumped all over Ansonia for three runs in the first, six runs in the second and two more in the third for an 11-0 lead.

Ansonia scored its lone run in the bottom of the third, but Covington kept the momentum rolling with another run in the fourth and two more in the fifth for the run-rule victory.

"We kept the pressure on them all night," Hirsch said. "We hit the ball very well and scored in every inning."

Kellen Woloch came up with the big hit for Covington, drilling a solo home run in the third inning.

Andrew DeHart followed in the fourth inning with a triple in what was nearly an inside-the-park home run.

"It was close (to being a round-tripper)," said Hirsch. "We played it safe and held him up at third."

Brandon Flora and Jake Bitner also had big afternoons at the plate, both recording three RBI. Bitner and Adam Craft eached doubled in the contest.

The hits kept coming for Covington as Steven Blei went 2-for-3 with two RBI as Covington tallied 10 hits on the day.

"The kids played very relaxed and had fun," Hirsch said. "They were more loose tonight than I've seen them in a while."

Adam Craft and the Covington defense was nearly flawless throughout the contest. Craft went the distance and only allowed three hits despite striking out just two batters.

"We played well defensively and Adam threw a nice game," Hirsch praised. "Hopefully we are peaking at the right time."

Which Hirsch will find out more on Thursday as his 8-16 (6-5 in the CCC) Buccaneers travel to Franklin Monroe.

SCORING BY INNINGS:
Covington ...........3...6...2...1...2 - 14 - 10 - 0