Story by Skyler Lowery
On Tuesday, Wildcat Tristan Hill had an outstanding performance, collecting three hits in four at-bats, as the Springwood Varsity Wildcats defeated Oaks 11-2 on Tuesday. Hill hit a triple in the sixth inning, as well as singles in the third and fifth innings.
The Wildcats pulled ahead in part due to an explosive sixth inning, where they scored six runs. Hill’s triple contributed two runs; a passed ball scored one run, and Tucker Sides also tripled, bringing in two runs. Additionally, Sam Wood hit a double that scored one run.
Springwood got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning after Hill’s single up the middle, while Wes Carden flew out to drive in another run. Carden earned the win for the Wildcats, pitching five innings while allowing eight hits and two runs, striking out seven and walking seven batters. Frank Huguley took the loss for Oaks, having pitched three and two-thirds innings and giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits, with two strikeouts and one walk. Hill also pitched two innings of shutout ball in relief for Springwood, allowing one hit, striking out five, and walking one.
“The heart we showed whenever the game was tight, even when things weren’t going our way, was impressive. We showed a lot of heart to extend our lead, and I was really proud of that,” said Springwood Head Baseball Coach Allen Watkins.
Multiple Springwood players had monster games in the win.
He emphasized that the team received contributions from many players in the victory, which extended their winning streak. “A lot of them stepped up tonight. Overall, I was really pleased with our effort; the entire team truly came together,” Watkins added.
The Springwood Varsity Wildcats accumulated a total of 16 hits in the game, with both Colton Jones and Hill recording three hits. Luke Moon, Bentley Hussey, and Adam Baltes also contributed with multiple hits. Jones and Hill each stole multiple bases, helping Springwood run wild on the base paths, securing six stolen bases for the game. The Wildcats were solid defensively and did not commit any errors, with Jones having the most defensive opportunities, totaling 13.
On the other hand, Oaks managed nine hits during the game. Elisha Hallmark led Oaks with four hits in four at-bats from the leadoff position. David Nelson Rhyne had one run batted in, finishing the game 2-for-4. Bryson Johnson added two hits in three at-bats. Oaks displayed patience at the plate, earning eight walks during the game, with Mike Carter, Braxton Bell, and Asher Johnson each leading the team with two walks apiece. Carter, Noah Shabo, and Hallmark also stole multiple bases for Oaks, who collectively ran wild on the base paths, recording eight stolen bases in total. Additionally, Oaks turned one double play during the game.
Springwood Varsity Wildcats will play at home on Friday against the Trinity Christian Varsity Eagles.
