It may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Grove City ultimately got the result they hoped for on Friday. They won by a run and slipped past the Clarion Area Bobcats 9-8.
Ben Fischer made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (he also didn't allow any walks). Fischer was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-5.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ethan Adams, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs, and a stolen base. Another player making a difference was Nolan Renick, who went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Like Grove City, Clarion Area also got a great game from a two-way player: Derek Smail. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned run off one hit (he also only allowed one walk). Smail was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Dawson Smail was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run while going 2-for-5.
Even though they lost, Clarion Area was hitting in the alleys and finished the game with eight doubles. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Grove City only hit three.
Grove City's win was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 1-1.
Grove City will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Hickory at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Grove City has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week. As for Clarion Area, they will head out on the road to take on St. Marys at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Clarion Area has given up an average of 9 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
