APRIL 9, 2010 - TROY
After suffering six losses in the first seven outings of the season and being run-ruled in the last three games, the Covington Buccaneers would take a win any way they could get it.

Even if it meant winning a game with a total of eleven errors by both teams.

"We've been struggling lately, so we'll take a win any way we can get it," said Covington coach Mitch Hirsch after his team defeated Miami East 9-4. "We didn't play the best defense in the world, but a win is a win."

Covington committed the same mistakes that has haunted the team throughout the season, which resulted in four errors.

But Miami East had its own share of problems as it committed seven errors in the contest.

"They made some mistakes that we were able to take advantage of," Hirsch said. "That's what you're suppose to do, take advantage of extra chances at the plate."

The Buccs scored two runs in each of their first two at bats, but Miami East responded in the bottom half of the second inning with a pair of runs of its own to cut the margin to 4-2.

After a scoreless third inning Covington put two more runs on the board to increase the lead to 6-2 after four.

The Vikings once again cut into the margin with two runs in the bottom of the fifth and the game went into the seventh inning with the Buccs clinging to a 6-4 lead.

That's when Covington started pounding the ball as it tallied four hits in the inning and put the game away with three more runs.

"The kids just don't quit," said Hirsch. "They (Miami East) had a nice inning in the fifth, but the kids just continued to play baseball. We got four of our seven hits in the last inning and that kind of took all the momentum away from them."

Adam Craft had a big day at the plate, going 3-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Dylan Fortner drove in two runs on a double, while Jake Stewart doubled as well.

Stewart also went the distance on the mound for Covington, striking out nine and giving up just two walks.

And Stewart's pitching performance couldn't have come at a better time.

"We're short on pitchers right now because we've used so many in the last few games," Hirsch explained. "So him (Stewart) going the distance allowed us to save some arms. We have a double header at Russia tomorrow, so we'll need all the arms we can get."

Unfortunately, Covington won't have the services of Cory Haines, who was ejected from the contest and will have to sit out two games.

"He (Haines) was trying to beat out a throw at first and the first baseman was standing right in the middle of the bag," described Hirsch. "Corey knew there was going to be a collision, so he put his arms up to protect his face. The umpire said Corey extended his arms and threw him out of the game. I don't understand it."

The Buccs will also be without a couple of other players in the first game of the double header as they will be taking the ACT.

"We'll be shorthanded tomorrow, that's for sure," Hirsch continued. "But we'll go over there and give them our best shot."

Which is what Covington has done all year. It finally resulting in a big win.

SCORING BY INNINGS:
Covington ..........2...2...0...2...0...0...3 - 9 .. 7 .. 4
Miami East .........0...2...0...0...2...0...0 - 4 .. 5 .. 7