Heidelberg drives in 5 as Miners blitz Dogs
STAR CITY -- After losing three straight, the Bauxite Miners have turned things around in dominating fashion, now winning three straight by a combined 46-4 run differential.
The Miners took out any lingering frustration on nonconference foe Star City on Thursday at home, clobbering the Bulldogs to a 14-3 final.
Bauxite kicked things off with a run in the second as Austin Hastings crossed on a wild pitch. The Miners added to the slim lead in the third, dropping three runs.
Avery Heidelberg singled home Christopher Fox before Garrett Oliver also crossed on an error throw from center on the play.
Bauxite would lead 4-0 early.
Heidelberg would continue his success at the plate in the fourth, driving home two more with another single to make it 6-0 Miners. Oliver and Charlie Rogers would cross on the knock.
After going quiet in the fifth, Bauxite would be back to its old ways in the sixth, scoring three more thanks to a fielder’s choice RBI from Blaine Duer, a sacrifice fly from Heidelberg and a
wild pitch later in the inning.
Bauxite would take a commanding 9-0 lead after six.
The Miners added five more in the seventh and final inning, eventually leading 14-0 over the Bulldogs.
Fox was forced to show his speed in the seventh as well, coming all the way around to score after doubling two home. Fox was able to score on an error on the play.
Hastings would make it 13-0 with a sacrifice bunt later, followed by a basesloaded walk RBI to Ethan Kelley.
Star City eventually broke through, scoring three in the final half inning in the loss.
Heidelberg finished his strong night with two hits, two runs scored and five RBIS. Fox led all batters with 3 hits, also scoring three times and driving home two.
On the bump, Ross Morgan earned the win with five innings of shutout baseball, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out seven.
John Crain closed the contest, working two innings and giving up three total runs on two hits. He would strike out four as well.
The Miners move to 12-7 overall and remain 3-5 in
conference play. They will return to action Thursday at home against Mayflower in another nonconference contest. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.