Schmucker two-hitter leads Hawks to 3-0 win over Rockets
The Hawks rode the strong pitching of Alex Schmucker, who fired a two-hitter, and got just enough hitting to get by the Conotton Valley Rockets 3-0 at Hiland Tuesday, April 5.
Schmucker struggled in the early going, loading the bases in the first inning on a single and two walks, then giving up a double only to see shortstop Nicky Yoder cut the runner down at home plate on a grounder in the second, but once the Hiland senior found his groove on the mound, he proved to be nearly unhittable, mixing in a strong curve ball with his fastball to get Rockets hitters out at an alarming clip.
“I just tried to mix up my pitches and keep them off balance,” said Schmucker of his effort. “Once I fell into a rhythm I felt good. I really have to give the glory to our fielders, because they played great behind me. I just wanted to come out and throw strikes and let them field.”
Hiland did that, and well, not committing an error.
Hiland broke open a scoreless tie in the second, when Hayden Mobley got the first of his two singles, stole second and scored on a Kendall Wagler RBI ground out. The Hawks went up 3-0 in the third when Jalen Miller singled to left, Richie Mast reached on an error, Yoder bunted them over, Miller scored on a wild pitch and Luke Burch drove in Mast with a ground out.
Hiland threatened in the fourth and fifth innings, but left runners stranded on second and third. It didn’t matter to Schmucker, who was focused and throwing well, ending the game with two walks and five strikeouts.
“Alex did a nice job of pitching,” said Hiland coach Tom Gibson. “He was a little wild early, but eventually settled in and did a fine job keeping their big hitters off balance.”
Perhaps no battle was more important than in the fourth, when Schmucker fell behind slugging Rockets pitcher Brandon Bailey, then struck him out with a fastball, fastball low and away and curve ball that had Bailey buckling.
“That pumped me up,” said Schmucker with a grin.
As for the offense, which struggled most of the night, Gibson said that the Hawks had opportunities, but the Rockets made plays when they had to in order to keep Hiland from scoring more. Nobody knew that more than Hiland second baseman B.J. Miller, who hit three rifle shots, but came away with only one base hit.
“There’s a lot of work to be done yet,” said Gibson. “Some of the balls we did hit hard, they made plays on, so give them credit. I thought overall we played very well in the field, and we executed pretty well fundamentally by getting some bunts down. I’m just glad we finally got a game in on actual dirt.”
Published: April 5, 2011
