Baseball Recap: Italy Takes a Loss

Italy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their 14th straight loss dating back to last season. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost an 11-9 heartbreaker at the hands of the Hillsboro Eagles. The Gladiators were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in March of 2024.

Austin Cate put in work no matter where he played. He struck out six batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Cate was even better at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing Four bases. while going 4-for-5. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played.

In other batting news, Brady Whitney and Tripp Slovak stepped up to the plate in a big way. Whitney scored three runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4, while Slovak scored a run while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Rhet Mathers also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.

Gladiators

Batting Average

03/08/25 vs Hillsboro	37.9%
02/28/25 @ Itasca	8.3%
02/27/25 vs Connally	18.2%
02/25/25 vs Abbott	15%
03/08/24 @ Rice	43.3%

Even though they lost, Italy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. The last time their batting average was this high was back in March of 2024.

Italy's loss dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Hillsboro, their victory ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-5.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Italy will welcome Ellis County Christian Homeschool Organization at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Hillsboro, they will square off against Ferris at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.