(Game Played Friday, April 04, 2008) – Lafayette, IN

 

TIMELY HITTING FOR #1-MILLERS, MISCUES SINK PATRIOTS

            Four Terre Haute North errors and five unearned runs doomed the Patriots in the opening game of the Joe Heath Classic. The state’s No. 1-ranked Millers of Noblesville took advantage of five timely hits, five bases on balls, and a hit batsmen to eliminate any chance of a Patriot in picking up the 6-1 victory. “Not being able to make routine plays and our own lack of confidence seemed to get in our way of competing against a tough team like Noblesville tonight,” claimed North Head Baseball Coach Shawn Turner. “If we play mistake free, or at least nearly mistake free, we win the ballgame by a 2-1 or 3-1 score. This team has all of the makings of what could be a very special team…if we just will allow our own abilities to be displayed,” Turner added.

            Senior Brandon Dorsett (1-1) displayed several positives in his pitching performance, yet threw entirely too many pitches having to battle back after falling behind in the count. Dorsett’s numbers included 5 IP, 4 H, 3 K, 5 BB, HBP, 1 ER. For the most part, the only balls Noblesville managed to put in play were pitches that rose to the high thigh or belt of the batter. When he located, he was quite impressive.

            The Patriot offense was limited to six hits during another game that was played in the cold as the spring has yet to show its weary face this season. Junior Billy Sisson was 2-for-4 on the night, though the hardest ball he hit was a line out to the 3rd baseman that ended the first inning. Dorsett attempted to help his own cause going 1-for-3 with a RBI. Junior J.T. Bailey was 1-for-2 on the night however he also reached base when he was stuck in the middle of his back in the top of the 4th-inning. Sophomore Andrew Gauer was also 1-for-2 and reached base a second time with a walk. Senior Joe Meggs was 1-for-4 on the night scoring the lone Patriot run after reaching base on an error of a poorly played ball by the Noblesville right fielder. Junior Jared Eller found himself on the base paths twice receiving walks.

            Center fielderRyan Wides of Noblesville was 1-for-1 on the night with a double, 3 rbi, 2 walks, a run scored, and a sacrifice fly. Designated-hitter Jeremy Chesney was 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

            Terre Haute North will try to bounce back from this lackluster performance to get another win as they play at McCutcheon in a 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning contest. The Patriots fell to 1-3 on the year. Noblesville raised its record to 4-1 with its lone loss to the #1-ranked team in Kentucky.