Baseball Recap: Hickory Takes a Loss

Hickory extended their losing streak to four on Monday, dropping their season record down to 4-8 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 5-4 heartbreaker at the hands of the Grove City Eagles. The Hornets were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Eagles earlier this season, when they won 9-2.

Hickory got a good showing from Ayden Messer, who tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Messer has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Hickory saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Luke Lewis, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double and one RBI. Another was Dante Evans, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.

As for Grove City, they moved to 3-9 with that win, which also ended their seven-game losing streak. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted since April 1st.

On Grove City's side, Layne Rider and Max Knouse were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Rider struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Knouse pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those six strikeouts gave Rider a new career-high. At bat, Rider got on base in two of his four plate appearances with two RBI, while Knouse went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.

In other batting news, Nolan Renick was excellent, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and one RBI. Jimmy Cooper also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Hickory will challenge rival Titusville at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Meanwhile, Grove City is set to square off against their familiar foe Slippery Rock at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.