Clearview had lost four straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 3-11 to make it five. They came up short against the Black River Pirates, falling 14-1. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Pirates this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 16-2 back in April.
Clearview saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Walmalier Maldonado, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one triple. That triple was Maldonado's first of the season.
As for Black River, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-5 record this season. The result was nothing new for Black River, who have now won four matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
On Black River's side, Josh Stuart and Dozier Hendershot were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Stuart pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Meanwhile, Hendershot pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. The dominant performance also gave Stuart a new career-high in strikeouts (four). At bat, Stuart went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs, while Hendershot got on base in two of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Black River is undefeated when Stuart posts two or more runs, but 3-5 otherwise.
In other batting news, Zane Kristophel was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jake Maat, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Clearview will challenge Lorain at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Titans have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.62 runs per game on average), something the Clippers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Black River, they will square off against Olmsted Falls at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Pirates are facing the Bulldogs at the right time seeing as the Bulldogs are stuck on a four-game losing streak.
