Strong first inning drives Highland to easy win over Troy
A week-long break from the field did not seem to bother the Highland 18U Bulldogs on Wednesday night.
Host Highland got rolling early with a five-run first inning and added three runs in the second, one in the third and three in the fourth en route to an 11-1 shellacking of an undermanned Troy Senior Legion team at Optimist Field in Glik Park. The game was stopped after 4 1/2 innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Highland manager Kyle Schmitt was concerned being off a week would affect his players’ timing and defense but against Troy, the Bulldogs came out locked in and strong at the plate and in the field.
“I was kind of surprised that the bats were ready to go after not playing in a week, but it was a good outing and we have three games this weekend, so I think it’s a good boost for them,” Schmitt said.
In the first inning, the Bulldogs nailed Troy starter Nolan Rea for five runs. Landon Oestringer led off with a walk and advanced to third on a wild throw by the pitcher to first. Tyler Werner singled him home for a run, and Chase Wison followed with a single and Carter Wiegman was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Logan Doll’s RBI ground out to second added a run and Kolby Frey singled to center to make it 3-0. Tyler Robards’ single to left capped the rally, pushing the Bulldogs lead to 5-0.
“That (first inning was exciting and I was happy we were able to put up a five-spot and could cool down a little bit,” Schmitt said.
In the bottom of the second, the Bulldogs bats struck again, this time for three more runs. Jack Korte and Tyler Werner provided the big hits with an RBI-single and a two-run double, respectively, pushing the lead to 8-0.
Troy got an unearned run off of Frey in the fourth to cut the lead to 9-1.
Highland put the game out of reach in the bottom of the fourth as Frey doubled home a run and Werner walked with the bases loaded to stretch the advantage out to 11-1.
It was a great day for Frey who had a pair of hits and drove in two runs.
“I was finding what I wanted (at the plate) today and I was hitting the ball pretty well,” Frey said.
Frey said while the Bulldogs enjoyed the easy win it was a bit of a mixed blessing for them.
“It’s pretty fun (to win easily) but I kind of like closer games because they are more interesting and you play an actual full game,” he said.
JD Barnes started and pitched the first three innings for Highland and Frey pitched the final two innings in relief.
Highland set to compete in Alton Tournament
Highland (17-7) will head to Alton to play in the Alton Tournament on Saturday-Sunday. On Saturday, the Bulldogs face Belleville at 1:30 p.m. and Troy at 4 p.m. in a round-robin format. Then on Sunday, they will finish the tournament with an 11 a.m. tilt against host Alton.
All games will be played at Gordon Moore Park and Frey believes the Bulldogs will be ready to roll.
“I feel pretty good going into Alton,” Frey said. “This long break really helped our pitching because we only really have a few pitchers and it really saved our arms. It’s a week off, so it really helps.”