MAY 9, 2016 - COVINGTON
The Covington Buccaneers advanced to the second round of the sectional baseball tournament with a 15-5 run-rule victory over Jackson Center on Monday, but it wasn't a performance coach Mitch Hirsch is pleased about.
"We didn't come ready to play," said the displeased Covington coach. "I know the weather was miserable, but that's not an excuse."
The reason for Hirsch's displeasure is the fact that Covington spotted Jackson Center a 4-0 lead through an inning-and-a-half thanks to four errors in the field.
"We gave 'em one (run) in the first and three (runs) in the second," Hirsch explained. "All because we weren't focused on playing baseball."
Jackson Center came into the game with just two wins all year, which concerned Hirsch in regards to his kids looking ahead.
"I told the kids all week that they can't overlook anybody," Hirsch continued. "Hopefully this is a walkup call."
Trailing 4-0, Covington finally woke up and started playing some baseball. The Buccs scored five runs in the bottom of the second, seven in the third and three in the fourth to take a 15-5 lead.
The Buccs then shut the door by holding Jackson Center scoreless in the top of the fifth to end the contest early.
The win advances Covington to the second round, where it will face #2 seed Triad on its home field on Wednesday.
"If we play like this on Wednesday, we'll be packing up our gear," said Hirsch. "We're not good enough to just show up like we did tonight."
Christian Nelson went the distance on the hill for Covington. He struck out six, walked three and allowed just four hits - an impressive effort considering he didn't receive much help behind him.
James Grilliot had a big game at the plate as he went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI, while Coleman Ryan has a solid game by going 3-for-4 with and RBI.
Nathan Blei, Jarred Williams and Levi Winn each drove in two runs, while Blei and Mason Dilley both doubled.
In all, Covington racked up 12 hits, which was needed on what was a very lackluster performance.
SCORE BY INNINGS:
Jackson Center - 1 3 1 0 0 X X - 5 - 4 - 3
Covington - 0 5 7 3 X X X - 15 - 12 - 4 |