BASEBALL: Dragons take advantage of C’town errors to win 3A semi, 8-2

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

SELLERSBURG — Sometimes, as the Beatles would say, you get by with a little help from your friends.

In the case of Class 3A No. 3 Silver Creek on Friday night, those friends turn out to be your opponents.

The Dragons broke open a scoreless game in the fourth inning against Charlestown and won easily by an 8-2 score in the Class 3A Sectional 30 semifinals at Silver Creek. They posted a five-spot in the fourth inning thanks to three errors by the Pirates and a home run by catcher Stephen Davis.

All five runs were unearned, and for the game Silver Creek (24-3) mustered just three base hits. However, it kept things going at the right time to keep scoring.

The victory means the Dragons will play in the Sectional 30 championship on Monday at 6:30 p.m. against North Harrison. Sectional officials changed the time Saturday, as the game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. The Cougars advanced with a 9-6 win over Brownstown Central in Friday’s first semifinal.

Charlestown starting pitcher Aaron Meyer rolled through the first three innings, retiring the Dragons in order. He would not remain, though, through the completion of the fourth inning as the Dragons chased him. Or possibly more accurately, his team chased him with their three errors.

"After seeing hard throwers (Thursday night against Providence), Aaron was a change of pace," said Silver Creek head coach Joe Decker. "It just took us awhile to figure him out. We're an experienced team, though. Our guys didn't get rattled."

In the fateful fourth, Dragon leadoff batter Sammy Barnett walked. Bryson McNay hit into a fielder’s choice, eliminating Barnett.

McNay attempted to steal second base, and on the pick-off throw, Meyer threw wildly to first base, allowing McNay to move all the way to third.

Tyler Wheeler came to the plate and laid down a bunt on the squeeze play. Charlestown first baseman Alec Evans fielded the ball cleanly, but simply held the ball, allowing McNay to score and Wheeler to be safe at first.

Wheeler stole second, and the throw from catcher Andrew Snider went into center field, allowing Wheeler to move to third. There was still just one out, and the Pirates had committed two errors.

After a walk to Tyler Kapust and a fly out to second by Holden Groher, the damage had been confined to a single run. Then, when Jack Hawkins lifted a pop-up to the right side of the infield, it appeared as if Meyer had escaped further damage.

The pop-up turned into a nightmare for Charlestown (12-13), however, as Evans could not haul it in, scoring courtesy runners Ryan Sierota and Kapust for a 3-0 lead.

This brought Davis to the plate, who launched a rocket out of the park, making the score 5-0 and chasing Meyer. The Dragons scored all five of their runs while accumulating a single hit—the dinger by Davis.

Silver Creek added two more runs in the fifth. Dylan Whitt, who led off the inning by being hit by a pitch, scored the first run two outs later. He and Sierota pulled off a double steal as Whitt raced home.

Sierota then scored on an RBI single by Kapust.

The Dragons completed their scoring in the sixth without the benefit of a hit. Courtesy runner Davis DeWitt moved from second to third on a passed ball, and then he proceeded home when the throw to third base got past Charlestown third baseman Brendan Brainard.

Decker lifted starter and winner Tyler Wheeler after five innings. Wheeler allowed just 2 hits in 5 innings and struck out 7 batters.

Charlestown got its only runs in the sixth inning off McNay, who relieved Wheeler. They got their runs without getting a hit. McNay issued three bases on balls during the inning, threw a couple of wild pitches, and Silver Creek also made an error. McNay did record three strikeouts, but each run crossed the plate on wild pitches.

CLASS 3A SILVER CREEK SECTIONAL

SEMIFINAL

SILVER CREEK 8, CHARLESTOWN 2

Silver Creek       000 521 0—8   3   1

Charlestown     000 002 0­­—2    2  4

W — Tyler Wheeler. L — Aaron Meyer.  2B — Brady Latham (C).  HR — Stephen Davis (SC).

Team records: Silver Creek 24-3, Charlestown 12-13.

Multiple hit players: Silver Creek — Wheeler 2-4, 1 RBI.

Wheeler pitching line: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 7 K, 1 BB.

Meyer pitching line: 3 2/3 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 0K, 2 BB.

BASEBALL: Dragons oust Providence from Silver Creek Sectional, 7-3

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

SELLERSBURG — In the showcase matchup in local baseball sectional action Thursday night, Class 3A No. 3 Silver Creek applied pressure from the outset and defeated No. 5 Providence by a score of 7-3 in the first round of the Class 3A Silver Creek Sectional.

The pressure was of the offensive variety. The pitching was not too shabby, either.

"The pressure was continually on us the whole game," said Providence coach Scott Hornung. "Even after we scored runs, they'd come back and put runners on base. They'd hit and get a run or two here and there. I just never felt like we could get away from the pressure of their offense."

Silver Creek coach Joe Decker concurred.

"We got baserunners on. We had the leadoff on a whole lot. That was key," Decker said.

The Dragons scored in the top of the first inning on a solo home run over the center-field fence by Bryson McNay. This set the stage for the rest of the game, as Providence had to play catch-up the remainder of the game.

Silver Creek (23-3) made it 2-0 in the second inning. Jack Hawkins singled, and then he scored a few pitches later after two wild pitches by Providence starter Christian Graf.

Dragons pitcher Sammy Barnett was masterful through the first three innings, facing the minimum nine batters. Barnett pitched a complete game, allowing the three runs (two earned) on seven base hits, while striking out nine.

"He's our senior captain," said Decker. "When they (Providence, a 17-7 win during the regular season) beat us the last time, I preferred to play them first in the sectional. That way I knew I'd have Sammy on the mound. I'll take Sammy on the mound and take our chances. He pitched great."

Providence (20-4) cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth inning. Kaden Williams led off with a single, went to second base on a wild pitch, and then stole third. He later came home on a single by Reece Davis.

Silver Creek immediately got the run back in the top of the fifth inning, however. McNay collected his third hit of the night, a single, and drove in Dylan Whitt, making the score 3-1.

Providence had a bad break in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Zach Tackett singled. An out later, Williams doubled to right center field. However, the ball bounced over the field for a ground rule double. Tackett would undoubtedly have scored on the play. After an intentional walk to Timmy Borden, Adam Uhl grounded out to shortstop, leaving the bases loaded.

The Dragons appeared about to run away from the Pioneers in the sixth inning, adding a pair of runs. With the bases loaded, Whitt knocked in Ryan Sierota to make it 4-1. Barnett followed up with a sacrifice fly to stretch the advantage to 5-1.

"That was a big hit by Dylan Whitt in the nine-hole with bases loaded," said Decker. "Up and down the lineup, the guys did their job."

Providence made another run in the bottom of the sixth inning, plating two runs to edge to 5-3. Nathan Proctor singled home Davis, who had doubled. Joe Wilkinson later scored on an error.

Silver Creek again immediately came back and applied the pressure, scoring twice in the seventh inning. Tyler Kapust and Holden Groher crossed the plate in the inning.

Providence went down in order to end the game.

"We couldn't get that one hit that would put us over the top and keep it going. They (SC) just seemed to get theirs across," said Hornung.

"It was a good win," said Decker. "We hit well, and we didn't fold. We had a couple of times where I thought we got a little shaky on defense, and nerves got us a little bit, but overall, we responded."

Silver Creek will play Charlestown on Friday night in the second semifinal. Game time will approximately be 7:30.

CLASS 3A SILVER CREEK SECTIONAL

FIRST ROUND

SILVER CREEK 7, PROVIDENCE 3

Silver Creek  110 012 2—7  8  1

Providence    000 102 0—3  7  0

W — Sammy Barnett 5-1. L — Christian Graf 5-2.  2B — Holden Groher (SC), Kaden Williams (P), Reece Davis (P). HR — Bryson McNay (SC).

Multiple hit players: Silver Creek — McNay 3-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 SB; Jack Hawkins 2-4, 1 R, Dylan Whitt 2-4, 2 R, 1 RBI.

Multiple hit players: Providence — Williams 2-4, 1 R, 1 SB, Davis 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB.

Barnett pitching line: 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 9 K, 2 BB.

Graf pitching line: 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 K, 2 BB.

Records: Silver Creek 23-3, Providence 20-4

BASEBALL: Seymour makes dramatic rally to shock New Albany in Jeff Sectional, 3-2

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

JEFFERSONVILLE — Class 4A No. 1 New Albany entered the state tournament with high expectations, as it should have.

Expectations are meaningless when it comes to reality, however.

In the first round of the Class 4A Jeffersonville Sectional at Don Poole Field, the Bulldogs opened play against fellow Hoosier Hills Conference foe Seymour. New Albany was obviously the favorite.

However, New Albany also experienced the old sports adage of, "If you let an underdog team hang around long enough, there's an increasing chance they will beat you the closer it gets to the end."

That is exactly what happened Wednesday night, as Seymour scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning and came away with the huge upset. The Owls won the game 3-2, finishing New Albany's season at 24-5.

“We had a great year. In this one-and-done tournament system, one bad play, one bad hit, can make a difference," said New Albany coach Chris McIntyre.

The game proceeded on its way through a scoreless four innings, with Seymour pitcher Alan Perry and New Albany pitcher Chase Rudy dominating from the mound.

Perry threw a complete game, allowing nine hits, striking out seven and walking three batters. He gave up two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, both earned.

Rudy seemed to be the more dominant of the pair. He went 6 2/3 innings, striking out 14, giving up just five hits, all three runs (two earned) and walking five.

New Albany got on the board first, plating a pair in the bottom of the fifth inning. Owen Tanksley led off with a single to get the action going. Andrew Ricketts sacrificed Tanksley to second base. After a passed ball move Tanksley to third, Steven Thom singled him home for the first run, making it 1-0 Bulldogs.

Rudy followed with a single. Cooper Biven also singled, driving in Thom. The Bulldogs led 2-0, and it appeared as if that advantage was going to stand up.

Seymour (16-9) began its seventh inning rally from the start. Matthew Moore singled, followed by a walk to pinch hitter Devil Hill. A big play immediately followed, as R.J. Kleber bunted to move the runners forward. On the play, however, Rudy mishandled the ball, and all hands were safe, loading the bases.

"I thought the big one was when they got the leadoff on, and we walked the next guy," said McIntyre. "That was one of the bigger at-bats in the inning. Then we didn't handle the bunt. Chase just got in a hurry. He just took his eyes off the ball.

"Chase was pitching fine. You've got to give their guys (Seymour) credit. At first, their swings were a little long. But then they shortened their swings up just to get the ball in play in the seventh inning."

Perry grounded to third, and the Bulldogs got a force play at home, leaving the bases full.

Then, senior A.J. Boshears stepped to the plate and smacked a base hit down the line into left, scoring two runs and tying the game.

After a strikeout left runners on first and second with two outs, Michael Knecht came to bat for the Owls. The right fielder had struck out in his three times previously. This time, however, he knocked a ball to center, scoring Perry and making the score 3-2 in favor of Seymour.

New Albany staged a rally in the bottom of the seventh. Rudy got things going with a one-out single. Biven tagged a ball to left, but it was playable, making the second out.

Jonah Boone got an infield single, putting runners on first and second. After a passed ball, Ryan Robison, one of New Albany's most powerful hitters, was intentionally walked to load the bases.

The game ended, though, when Dylan Clark lifted a fly ball to center field, which was easily handled by Boshears.

"We gave ourselves an opportunity in the seventh," said McIntyre. "They had a passed ball, and it would have been better if we hadn't run. But it's instinct, you just go.

"We had some good at-bats the last inning. Cooper hit the ball real well to left field. Just missed it a little."

Perry run his record to 9-1 with the victory, while Rudy ended the season at 5-4.

"They (Seymour) are a much different team when (Perry) is on the mound," said McIntyre. "Their team plays with much more confidence when he's pitching. He kept the fastball away. He's going to throw the curve ball at any count. He's a true pitcher. He's not going to blow you away with the fastball. He's going to pitch it where he needs to."

Seymour will play Bedford North Lawrence in the first semifinal on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Stars defeated Floyd Central in Wednesday’s second first-round game, 8-3.

Saturday’s second semifinal will pit Class 4A No. 6 Jeff against Jennings County at approximately 3 p.m. The championship game will be at 1 p.m. Monday.

CLASS 4A JEFFERSONVILLE SECTIONAL

FIRST ROUND

SEYMOUR 3, NEW ALBANY 2

Seymour       000 000 3—3  5  1

New Albany 000 020 0—2  9  2

W — Alan Perry (9-1). L — Chase Rudy (5-4).

Records: Seymour 16-9, New Albany 24-5.

Multiple hit players: New Albany — Dylan Clark 2-4, Chase Rudy 2-3.

Perry pitching line: 7 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 K, 3 BB.

Rudy pitching line: 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 14 K, 5 BB.

BASEBALL: Providence pulls away from Lanesville in regular-season finale, 7-1

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

CLARKSVILLE — A regular pitchers' duel ensued at Providence on Thursday night, at least for the major part of the game.

The Class 3A No. 6 Pioneers hooked up with defending Class A state champion Lanesville, and for the first five innings, hits were at a premium as were runs. Neither team was able to muster much in those innings, and at the end of five the score stood 1-1. Each team's run was unearned.

Providence, however, sent 10 batters to the plate in the sixth inning, scoring six runs. The Pioneers won the game 7-1, advancing their season record to 20-3. This was their last regular-season game. They will play host Silver Creek in the first round of the Class 3A Silver Creek Sectional next Thursday evening at 5:30.

Lanesville starter Mitchell Bailey kept the Pioneers off-balance through the first five innings, allowing just four hits.

"I don't really know what the struggle was," said Providence coach Scott Hornung. "It was a good pitcher and he did a great job. So I'm going to start by complimenting him by being able to throw the pitches he wanted to throw in various counts to keep us off-stride.

At the same time, Providence starter Nathan Proctor, despite not being sharp, held Lanesville (11-11) at bay for the first 4 2/3 innings, holding the Eagles to just three hits.

"Nathan did a good job on the mound tonight. He really did not have quite as good of breaking pitches as he has had recently, so he battled," Hornung complimented his starter.

Lanesville got on the board first, scoring an unearned run in the fifth. Owen Kerr, who had reached base on a fielder's choice, scored on an error by third baseman Hunter Sprigler, making it 1-0.

Providence got the run back in the bottom of the fifth. Kaden Williams walked with one out. He then stole second base. Williams later stole third and then scampered home on the errant throw by catcher Noah Jones. This tied the game at 1-1.

The Pioneers finally kicked their offense into high gear in the sixth inning. Reece Davis walked to lead off the inning. Joe Wilkinson followed with a pop fly to right field that Lanesville right fielder Ethan Purdy did not see, giving Wilkinson a single and putting runners on first and second.

Proctor followed with a walk, loading the bases. With the infield drawn in and no one out, Adam Uhl hit a ball to short, which shortstop Zack Fink attempted to short hop. But Fink misplayed it, scoring pinch runner Landon Kruer. This put the Pioneers up 2-1.

Zack Tackett struck out, throwing a little water on the fire, but it was short-lived.

Preston Taylor walked, scoring another run. Williams then hit a grounder to second, which scored Wilkinson. Lanesville could get just one out, and this put Providence up 4-1.

The big blow came next off the bat of Timmy Borden. The senior banged one off the left-field fence, driving in two more runs to make the score 6-1.

The final score of the night came next when Eli Watson smacked a single, scoring Borden and gaining the final score of 7-1.

"I felt like we were always going to win, and we weren't acting like we needed to come on with it," said Hornung. "The inning we scored those runs, we at least had some at-bats where we put the ball into play and made things happen. Sometimes that's what you have to do to get things started.

"We were still down to a situation where it was only 2-1, and we had a strikeout with the bases loaded. And then Preston walked, and Timmy's hit broke it open after that.”

Proctor was relieved with two outs in the fifth inning by Sprigler, who finished the night and picked up his first win.

"I was happy about Hunter," said Hornung. "That was really his first varsity experience where he's come in in a tight situation, and he threw the ball well, so I was happy for him."

The Pioneers have had a busy three weeks at the end of the season, and Hornung is looking forward to his team resting before playing in the tournament.

"We need a week off," said Hornung. "We'll get a quick practice (Friday), take two days off this weekend, go three days practice next week, and then we'll see what'll happen."

Lanesville will face Southern Athletic Conference rival Henryville in the opener of the Class 2A Clarksville Sectional at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

PROVIDENCE 7, LANESVILLE 1

Lanesville       000 010 0—1  4  3

Providence     000 016 x—7  8  1

W — Hunter Sprigler (1-0). L — Mitchell Bailey (3-4). 2B — Timmy Borden (P).

Records: Providence 20-3, Lanesville 11-11.

Multiple hit players: Providence — Joe Wilkinson 2-3, 1 R.

Sprigler pitching line: 2 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB.

Bailey pitching line: 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 2 ER, 2 K, 3 BB.

BASEBALL: Pioneers have huge night on Senior Night in 10-1 win

By GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

CLARKSVILLE — Special occasions such as Senior Nights can sometimes play havoc with sports teams. The Providence baseball team experienced no letdowns in its Senior Night game against visiting Brownstown Central on Tuesday.

The Class 3A No. 6 Pioneers took control of the game in the bottom of the first inning. Providence scored three times in its initial at-bat and never looked back. The result was a 10-1 victory, which raised Providence's record to 18-3 on the season.

"I was really happy we came out and established ourselves on Senior Night," said Providence coach Scott Hornung. "Sometimes it doesn't go the right direction when you have those types of things. I was happy to see the guys did the right things, and we were able to play everybody (the seniors) the whole game and that they could enjoy it."

Providence never let the foot off the throttle either on offense or on the mound. The Pioneers collected 11 base hits, while starting pitcher Zach Tackett pitched six innings, giving up only four base hits, allowing one unearned run, striking out six and walking none.

"I like double figures (in hits)," said Hornung. "And that was the best performance Tackett has had for a length of time this year. He's been a middle reliever or set-up kind of guy for us. But tonight, he was in control of the strike zone with all of his pitches."

Tackett retired Brownstown in order in the top of the first inning, and then the Pioneers got rolling on offense.

With one out, Preston Taylor walked. Timmy Borden followed with a single, and then Reece Davis drove both Pioneers home with a base hit. One out later, Adam Uhl drove home Davis, and the Pioneers led 3-0.

They added to their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Taylor got things rolling again, as he led off the frame by getting hit by a pitch. Two outs later, Nathan Proctor drove one down the left-field line that left the park, making the score 5-0.

The Pioneers added two more runs in the fifth inning. Borden doubled to lead off the fifth, and Davis drove Borden in. Davis ended up with three RBIs for the evening. Two outs later, senior Connor Finnegan doubled home Davis, extending the lead to 7-0.

Brownstown (12-11) scored its only run in the top of the sixth. Seth Borden and Matthew Garland each singled to get things going. Tackett got the next two batters out.

It appeared Tackett was going to get out of the small jam without incident when the next batter, Ian Martin, hit a grounder to Proctor at third base. Proctor mishandled the ball, however, loading the bases. Clayton Barger then hit a single to score the Braves' only run, making the score 7-1.

Providence put three more runs on the board in the bottom of the sixth to complete the game's scoring. Timmy Borden drove in Tackett with a sacrifice fly. Then two batters later, Proctor smacked a double, driving in two more runs to make the score 10-1. Proctor finished with four RBIs for the game.

"You never know what he's going to do," said Hornung of Proctor. "He's always got the ability to power one out of here. Down there where he hits in the order, it's a big plus for us when he hits."

Hornung replaced Tackett with Hunter Sprigler in the top of the seventh. Sprigler retired the first two batters without incident.

Then Hornung lifted Sprigler and brought in Davis to try to record the final out. Davis has not been able to pitch this season due to an arm injury, and only recently has he been available to bat.

Davis, a right-handed hurler who it was hoped would anchor their pitching corps this season, came to the mound with a glove on his right hand. He attempted to pitch left-handed. He walked the only batter he faced.

Timmy Borden then relieved Davis and struck out Garland to end the game.

Providence has two regular-season games remaining. The Pioneers will travel to Austin on Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. start, followed by a home game against Lanesville on Thursday at 7 p.m.

"We're trying to finish the race here," said Hornung. "The last two weeks have been long. I'm hoping we can keep our stamina these last two days, and then get some rest heading into the tournament."

Providence will play Class 3A No. 3 Silver Creek on Thursday, May 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the opening round of the Class 3A Silver Creek Sectional.

PROVIDENCE 10, BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL 1

Brownstown   000 001 0—  1     5   1

Providence      302 023 x—10   11   1

W — Zach Tackett (3-0). L — Ian Martin (0-2). 2B — Jalen Tiemeyer (B), Connor Finnegan (P), Timmy Borden (P), Nathan Proctor (P). HR — Proctor (P).

Records: Providence 18-3, Brownstown Central 12-11.

Multiple hit players: Providence — Borden 2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB; Proctor 2-4, 1 R, 4 RBIs; Reece Davis 2-3, 3 R, 3 RBIs; Finnegan 2-3, 1 RBI.

Tackett pitching line: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 6 K, 0 BB.

Martin pitching line: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 K, 1 BB.

BASEBALL: Pioneers snap sixth-inning tie to defeat North Harrison, 6-2

By GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

CLARKSVILLE — Providence pitcher Joe Wilkinson threw a gem for five innings against visiting North Harrison on Saturday night, and it was exactly what his coach wanted.

The Class 3A No. 6 Pioneers played a rescheduled game against North Harrison, winning 6-2 and raising their record to 16-3.

Wilkinson, a junior right-hander, had his last outing against Jeffersonville 10 days ago, and in that game, he was roughed up fairly hard. Since that time, coach Scott Hornung has kept Wilkinson off the mound.

The rest obviously paid off. Wilkinson pitched the first 5 1/3 innings, pitching to only 17 batters. The lone baserunner reached base on an infield single that took a high hop to shortstop. He struck out eight batters and walked none.

"I am really happy about the way Joe came out and pitched tonight," said Hornung. "It was so encouraging, and I am so grateful. We took it slow the last 10 days, working him back, and he did a great job.

"I wanted him to be more consistent and dominate the strike zone. It really started with that, and he did it. They only had one baserunner on the infield hit. That's just what we needed."

Wilkinson also had a good night at the plate, smacking a ground-rule double to left-center field in the first inning. He followed that up with a solo home run to lead off the fourth inning.

The Pioneers scored once in the first. Timmy Borden hit a one-out double to get the scoring inning going. An out later, Eli Watson singled home Borden.

Providence put another run on the board in the fourth inning thanks to Wilkinson's homer, putting the Pioneers up 2-0.

The game was a pitching duel throughout each starter's time in the game. Hornung lifted Wilkinson after his hurler struck out the leadoff batter in the top of the sixth. However, North Harrison scored two unearned runs on zero hits off reliever Timmy Borden before being retired.

That tied the score at 2-2 going into the bottom of the sixth.

When the Pioneers came to bat in the sixth, North Harrison coach Cody Johnson lifted his starter, Justin Deatrick, who had given up six hits, struck out four and walked two batters.

Providence responded to the comeback by plating four runs. Zach Tackett got things going with a one-out triple. He scored when Preston Taylor hit a ground ball to short. It appeared as if Tackett was going to be thrown out. But an errant throw by shortstop Jake Book allowed the run to score.

Kaden Williams then singled, and Borden was intentionally walked to load the bases. Reece Davis and Watson singled, and then Hunter Sprigler ended the scoring with a sacrifice fly.

Borden picked up the win in relief. The Cougars’ Josh Craig, who relieved Deatrick in the sixth, absorbed the loss, falling to 2-2 on the season.

North Harrison collected just one base hit for the game.

Providence has put together a streak of easy wins recently. This game, however, appeared to be a little less intense for Hornung's crew.

"I thought that we did a nice job tonight," said Hornung. "We didn't do anything that I thought was awful, but it was like they lay around all day and waited for the game on a Saturday night. It wasn't tournament-like. We did what we had to do to win the game."

Providence collected 10 hits for the game, but they generally were scattered.

"I don't think our at-bats were very good,” Hornung said. “We had some good ones, and then we'd mix in some bad ones. We weren't moving people down the line. Not until that last inning did we put some together in a row."

Providence will play at South Central on Monday to begin the final week of the regular season. Game time is listed as 7 p.m.

PROVIDENCE 6, NORTH HARRISON 2

North Harrison    000 002 0— 2   1  2

Providence           100 104 x— 6  10  2

W — Timmy Borden (1-0). L — Josh Craig (2-2). 2B—Borden (P), Joe Wilkinson (P), Kaden Williams (P). 3B — Zach Tackett (P). HR — Wilkinson (P).

Records: Providence 16-3.

Multiple hit players: Providence — Williams 2-4, 1 R; Wilkinson 2-2, 1 R, 1 RBI; Tackett 2-3, 1 R; Eli Watson 2-4, 2 RBIs

Borden pitching line: 1 2/3 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 K, 3 BB.

Craig pitching line: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER.

BASEBALL: Pioneers win decisively for second straight game, 11-1

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

CLARKSVILLE — The Class 3A No. 6 Providence Pioneers have hit upon a successful formula in the last two games. It is one they apparently intend on repeating through the end of the season.

After Tuesday night's beating up on Corydon Central, the Pioneers repeated that performance with an 11-1 victory in six innings over visiting Switzerland County on Wednesday. The victory moved Providence to 14-3 on the season.

"It was a new day, same thing," said Providence coach Scott Hornung. "We're having a challenge to make sure they're going to concentrate. Right now, they are proving they're up to it."

Providence removed all mystery about the game in the first two innings, scoring six times in the first two frames to build a quick 6-0 lead.

The Pioneers’ Kaden Williams, coming off a recent injury to play in the two last games, got things rolling with a one-out triple in the first inning. Timmy Borden singled Williams in for the first run of the game.

After Borden stole second base, Reece Davis singled him home to make the score 2-0 at the end of the first.

The second inning the Pioneers sent 10 men to the plate, scoring four more runs. Nathan Proctor led off the inning and was hit by a pitch. The next two batters, Zach Tackett and Preston Taylor, walked that loaded the bases.

Williams drove in two runs with a single to make the score 4-0. Later in the inning, Adam Uhl doubled in a run to go up 5-0. Christian Graf singled with two outs to drive in the final run of the inning, making the deficit 6-0.

Starting pitcher Ray Reisinger, meanwhile, cruised through the game, going the six-inning distance, giving up just three hits, one run (unearned), striking out four and not walking any.

The victory upped Reisinger's record to 3-1 on the season.

"Reisinger pitched well. But he needs to understand in the offseason, his breaking pitch needs to break a little sharper," said Hornung.

By the fourth inning, Hornung began substituting freely, and by the fifth inning, the only starter remaining in the game was Reisinger.

The Pioneers pounded out 14 hits in the game, including four of the extra-base variety. Besides Williams' triple, Eli Watson tripled, while Uhl and Brandon Shafer doubled.

Leading 7-1 going into the bottom of the sixth inning, Providence scored four more times in the last two innings to end the game with the 10-run rule. Providence subs powered the last two innings, collecting five hits.

Shafer doubled in one run to put the Pioneers up 8-1 in the fifth. In the final inning, Watson’s triple drove in 2 runs to go up 10-1. Bryce Hutchings then singled Watson home to end the game at 11-1.

"The hits were spread out pretty well," said Hornung. "I was pleased with the hitting. From the subs, too."

Switzerland County dropped to 6-8 on the season. Nate Thomas pitched the first 4 1/3 innings and absorbed the loss. His record dropped to 0-1.

The Pioneers will travel to New Washington on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, they return home for a make-up game with North Harrison. That game is a 7 p.m. scheduled start.

PROVIDENCE 11, SWITZERLAND COUNTY 1

Switzerland County     000 100—  1   3  2

Providence                    241 013—11 14  1

W — Ray Reisinger (2-1). L — Nate Thomas (0-1). 2B — Patrick Stow (S), Adam Uhl (P), Brandon Shafer (P). 3B — Kaden Williams (P), Eli Watson (P).

Records: Providence 14-3, Switzerland County 6-8.

Multiple hit players: Switzerland County — Stow 2-2, 1 RBI; Providence — Timmy Borden 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB; Uhl 2-3, 1 RBI; Williams 2-3, 3 R, 2 RBIs.

Reisinger pitching line: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB.

Thomas pitching line: 4 1/3 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 K, 5 BB.

BASEBALL: Focused Pioneers take care of Corydon, 12-1

BY GREG BURTON

Special to Southern Indiana Preps

CLARKSVILLE — Providence coach Scott Hornung wants his team to end the season focused. After a challenging stretch of four games against good competition, he wants his players to maintain the intensity they showed during that stretch.

Tuesday night, the Class 3A No. 6 Pioneers were at home against Corydon Central. It is apparent that Hornung's team understands his desires and intentions. Providence overpowered the Panthers by a 12-1 score in five innings. The Pioneers hit and pitched extremely well in the contest in running their record to 13-3.

"It was exactly what I asked them to do," said Hornung. "I've asked them to finish the last two weeks of the regular season with as much focus as they had during that four-game stretch that we played the last two weeks. I thought they carried out the plan as we talked about."

Hurler Zach Tackett got his first start of the season, moving his record to 2-0 with the win. Tackett pitched four innings, scattering three hits, striking out three and walking two. He gave up the lone run to Corydon in his last inning of work. The performance earned the accolades of his coach.

"I'm very much satisfied with Zach," said Hornung. "It was his first start of the year. We have nine games coming up in the next two weeks, so we need to have some good outings by our starters. We're trying to give some guys some rest as we head into the postseason run, and not use their arms so much. Zach gave us exactly what we needed out there."

The Pioneers’ offense, likewise, shone in the game. Providence started early and was relentless at the plate.

They scored four times in the bottom of the first inning, sending eight men to the plate. After Preston Taylor reached first base by being hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Joe Wilkinson followed with a single.

Timmy Borden drove in the first run of the game on a groundout to shortstop. Adam Uhl and Eli Watson followed with singles. Reece Davis then grounded out to short, and by that time the Pioneers had plated four runs to run the lead to 4-0 after one inning of play.

The Pioneers chased starter Avery Timberlake in the second inning. In 1 1/3 innings he gave up six runs, all earned.

Providence added two more runs in the second inning, a single run in the third and then put the game away by scoring five times in the fourth inning to run the score to 12-1.

For the four times at-bat the Pioneers took, they accumulated 10 hits.

"(The hitting) was a continuation of what we've been doing," said Hornung. "We've been taking some extra batting practice, trying to focus in on having some good at-bats. It was a good performance. Ten hits in four at-bats — I'll take that.”

Corydon scored its only run in the fourth inning. Singles by Shelby Deaton and Chase Straub, followed by a base on balls on Logan Murphy loaded the bases. Deaton scored on a ground ball by Noah Windell. By this time, though, the Pioneers led 7-1, and it was too little, too late.

The loss dropped Corydon to 9-9 on the season.

Borden relieved Tackett in the fifth, shutting the visitors down in order, striking out two in the process.

Providence will play three games in the next four days as a part of a busy end-of-season schedule. Wednesday the Pioneers will be at home against Switzerland County. Friday evening, they will travel to New Washington. They will conclude their week at home Saturday evening against North Harrison.

"Our challenge for the next two games is to keep playing at our level," said Hornung.

PROVIDENCE 12, CORYDON CENTRAL 1

Corydon         000 10—  1    3  4

Providence    421 5x—12  10  1

W — Zach Tackett (2-0). L — Avery Timberlake (0-2). 2B — Timmy Borden (P).

Records: Providence 13-3, Corydon 9-9.

Multiple hit players: Providence — Borden 2-3, 2 RBIs, 2 SB; Christian Graf 2-2, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB.

Tackett pitching line: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 K, 2 BB.

Timberlake pitching line: 1 1/3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 K, 1 BB.