In their first game since their dramatic 2-1 victory of Edison in the Division III State Championship, Waynedale (0-1) had its home opener spoiled by WCAL rival Norwayne (0-1) 3-2 Tuesday in Apple Creek. Both pitchers went 7+ innings but the Bobcats broke the 2-2 tie in the 8th on a Jay Hanzie base hit to take their first lead of the game, holding on for a big league victory.
The Golden Bears got on the board first in the home half of the 2nd when Trey Barkman scored on a Shane Coblentz ground out. Waynedale would strike for another in the 3rd as Connor Gatti crossed the plate on a Jaiden Barnes single, putting Waynedale up 2-0 after three.
Otto Solorzano was dominant for the Bears through four innings, but the Bobcats were able to strike it big in the 5th. With two outs and the bases loaded, Jake Gill knocked a a double into the outfield, scoring two and tying things up heading into the 6th.
Despite allowing Waynedale to get runners on early, Ashton Snyder silenced the Bears bats through the last four innings, allowing just two base runners. When they needed it the most, the Norwayne bats came alive.
Lucas Dudte led off the 8th with a double and, two batters later, crossed the plate on a Jay Hanzie single, putting the Bobcats up 3-2. Snyder only needed eight pitches to retire the side in the bottom half of the inning, sealing a big early season league win for Norwayne.
Photo by Devin Lowe
Keys to the Game
Despite the cold weather in the opener, both starting pitchers appeared to be in midseason form. Ashton Snyder went eight innings for the Bobcats, allowing eight hits on walking one with six strikeouts.
Otto Solorzano picked up the loss in the game, but stuck out nine while allowing five hits and walking three.
Top Performers
Norwayne
Jake Gill: 1-4 2B 2 RBI
Ashton Snyder: 8 IP 8H 1BB 6K 1-4 1B
Waynedale
Trey Barkman: 2-3 1BB 1R
Otto Solorzano: 7.2 IP 5H 3BB 9K 2-3 2 1B
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | R | H | E | |
| Norwayne | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Waynedale | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
Jaron
March 29, 2023 at 1:33 pm
The umpire called a great game too. A great game to start the year.