Cedarville Sweeps Doubleheader

The Cedarville Yellow Jackets swept a doubleheader against the Ohio Valley Fighting Scots. The Jackets won the first game, 7-6, and the second game, 7-0.

In the first game, which lasted seven innings, both teams had 11 hits each. Catcher Jaden Cleland, a junior, had three of Cedarville’s hits. Sophomore Thad Ferguson also added two hits and sophomore Colton Potter had a triple.

Freshman pitcher Andrew Plunkett started the game. Plunkett pitched four and a third innings and allowed just one earned run. Senior Connor Hamilton came in relief for the next inning and two thirds and got the win. Senior Jordan Adams came in to close the game. The Scots scored three runs in that inning, none of which were earned.

Second baseman Dan Llerena, a freshman, made a key defensive play to keep the Jackets’ lead. A Fighting Scots batter hit a single in the gap between first and second base with the bases loaded. As it got into the outfield grass, Llerena made a diving stop, got up, and threw out the second Fighting Scots runner that would have tied the game.

The Jackets allowed five unearned runs off of five errors by the defense. They also lost a few fly balls in the sun.

The Jackets were much better defensively in the second game, which lasted nine innings. They committed zero errors and were lead by senior pitcher Garrett Baker’s stellar performance. Baker pitched eight scoreless innings, allowed just five hits and threw nine strikeouts. Sophomore Eli Weldy came in as relief to throw a scoreless ninth inning.

The Jackets as a team outhit the Fighting Scots 11 to six. Junior Drew Johnson led the way for the Jacket bats, going three for five, including a double. Johnson also scored two runs and batted in two more. Ferguson added two hits, including a triple, and scored three runs. Cleland added two hits and two runs. Senior David Lenhardt also got two hits and batted in three runs.

Before the games, Cedarville hosted its first ever Make-A-Wish Reveal event, granting the wish of 15-year-old Payton, a Dayton, Ohio, area resident. She was granted a trip to London, England. Cedarville got the opportunity to host, because out of the eight teams in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC), it raised the most funds during the 2014-2015 season.

The Jackets are now 13-22 on the season and 6-8 in the GMAC. Cedarville’s next game will be at home against the Ashland Eagles 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 26.

Josh Burris is a junior journalism major and multimedia person for Cedars. He is interested in sports broadcasting and reporting. He enjoys watching sports, lifting, and listening to rock and rap music.