Eagles Hunt Down Extra-Inning Win Versus Guardians
Walk-off Winner… Eagle senior center fielder Hunter Higgins puts the bat on the ball for a hit that scored teammate Garrett Smith in the bottom of the eighth inning of Holden’s game against St. Michael the Archangel. Higgins’s RBI single delivered the game-winning run as the Eagles defeated the Guardians by the final score of 2-1 in one extra inning of play on Friday, April 8. Photo by Steve Edwards
The Holden baseball team rallied for a come-from-behind win against St. Michael the Archangel on Friday, April 8 as the Eagles took a 2-1 victory in extra innings in their first home game of the season.
Senior center fielder Hunter Higgins delivered the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure the win by the final score of 2-1 as the Eagles record on the season improved to 7-1.
“Hunter Higgins had a two-out, walk-off RBI single to left-center in the eighth,” described Holden baseball head coach Charlie Castle. “He knocked in Garrett Smith who reached base with a leadoff single, stole second, and moved up to third on a wild pitch with two outs. After Aiden Christian walked, Higgins came through.”
The game started with three scoreless innings from both teams before the Guardians put one unearned run on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth.
“It was a very well-pitched game, and we were evenly matched,” said coach Castle. “We tied the game in the fifth when Lane Siemer’s squibber was misplayed, allowing Kale Tryon to score.”
Garrett Smith started on the mound for Holden, and was relieved by Aiden Morarity.
“Aiden Morarity picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief of Garrett,” said coach Castle. “Garrett went seven strong innings without allowing an earned run on three hits with one walk, and seven strikeouts.”
The head coach tipped his cap to senior left fielder Danny Hartzler.
“Danny Hartzler had a good game,” complimented coach Castle. “He had a bunt single, was hit twice by pitches, had a stolen base, and was successful on three chances on defense.”
Higgins’s timely hit stood out in the contest as runs were hard to come by in the game.
“It was great to see Hunter come through,” stated coach Castle. “Like a lot of our guys, he had some good at-bats with nothing to show for the game as their defense was very good. This one just happened to find some grass.”
As noted, the win comes in the first home game for the Eagles baseball team, and improves the team’s overall record to 7-1.
“It was nice to be at home for a change,” said coach Castle. “There was a great atmosphere for the game, even with the cold weather.
Holden High School was the place to be as there was also a track meet going on.”
This week, the Holden baseball team hosts the Holden Baseball Tournament. Trophy games are scheduled to be played this Friday, April 15. Saturday is scheduled as a makeup date, if needed.
