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Ethan George (11) delivers a pitch during recent home action. George earned the win on the mound in the Hornets' 9-7 victory over Yantis Friday, tallying 11 strikeouts. He also batted 2/4 with three RBIs and a run on offense. Photo by DJ Spencer
MG scores first win of season
MILLER GROVE — The Miller Grove Hornets earned their first victory of the season Friday by beating the Yantis Owls 9-7 at home. Throughout the game, the Hornets would outplay the Owls at most opportunities and held off a late comeback attempt, putting an end to their 14game losing streak.
The first inning would be scoreless, as both teams struggled to put the ball into play. The second inning would be more of the same, as the scoreless tie persisted.
The Hornets would get on the board first in the third inning. Mason Clements, Eastin Christian, and Cage Hasten all scored, as the Hornets took a 3-0 lead. The Owls would then get on the board in the fourth inning with a pair of runs, trimming the score to 3-2.
In the fifth inning, the Hornets would extend their lead with a five-run rally. Clements, Hasten, Ethan George, Drew Lester, and Kaden Hiller all scored, as Miller Grove’s lead climbed to 8-2. Another run by Clements in the sixth inning brought the score to 9-2.
In the top of the seventh inning, the Owls mounted a furious comeback attempt. Though they managed five runs, the Hornets’ defense managed to halt the comeback, hanging on for a 9-7 victory.
As a team, the Hornets batted 11 for 27 (.407) from the plate. Christian, Clements, George, and Hiller all led with two hits each, while Jase Beck, Hasten, and Lester tallied one hit each.
Clements finished as the leading scorer with three runs. Hasten added two runs, while Christian, George, Hiller, and Lester all scored one run each.
George picked up the victory on the mound. In six innings, he tallied 11 strikeouts, allowing only four walks, three hits, and two earned runs.
Jesse Yates pitched 1/3 of an inning in relief, allowing four earned runs, three hits, and two walks, managing a strikeouts. Clements pitched the last 2/3 of inning, striking out one batter while conceding only the hits and one earned run.
With the win, the Hornets improved to 1-1 in district and 1-14 overall. They resumed action Tuesday, welcoming the Saltillo Lions to Miller Grove High School for a doubleheader.