University School has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging 2.8 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Thursday. They fell 13-10 to the North Ridgeville Rangers. That's two games in a row now that the Preppers have lost by exactly three runs.
Crew Bellan was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Bryce Fielding stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: he scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Aaron Moss, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
This is the second loss in a row for University School and nudges their season record down to 8-2. As for North Ridgeville, they pushed their record up to 5-1 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. University School will face off against Chardon at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Hilltoppers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 6.67 runs per game on average), something the Preppers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for North Ridgeville, they will challenge Avon at 4:45 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
