By Nolan Epstein/For OzarksSportsZone.com
Strafford’s small-ball mentality in the opening inning spelled disaster for Skyline (4-2) on Tuesday as the Indians (3-2) took advantage of a bevy of defensive miscues to ultimately seal a 12-1 victory over the visiting Tigers.
An RBI double by Skyline’s Mason Lile in the top of the first was the prime highlight for the senior-less Tigers on the night as the downward slide began abruptly in the bottom of the frame, thanks to a five-run outburst by a Strafford team that executed two perfect bunts and hit the ball into the outfield just twice in the inning.
“That’s just something that we’ve talked a lot about,” Strafford head coach Shane Pierce said of his team’s ability to play small ball. “I don’t know that we’re going to hit a lot of home runs this year, so it’s going to be important for us to score runs and put pressure on the defense.”
The Indians were also aided by an error-riddled showing from Skyline in the inning. Head coach Brett Bybee’s squad managed to rack up five infield errors in the bottom of the first, including three after the first three batters came to the plate.
Strafford’s lone outfield hit in the frame came off the bat of third baseman Tony Caldwell, who connected for a double and brought in a run to stretch his club’s lead to 3-1 at the time.
Skyline starting pitcher Brant Gideon, who was responsible for a couple of errant throws as well, was forced out of the game after just two innings of work due to an elevated pitch count.
“That’s not us,” Bybee said after the loss. “When a team is going to give us an out, we make those plays. Brant Gideon did a great job on the mound in the first inning and we just didn’t make the plays behind him.”
Although the Tigers tightened up their defense for the rest of the contest, Strafford retained its offensive rhythm – adding four runs in the second inning and three more in the third to make life rather easy on senior hurler Austin Tipton.
“It makes pitching a lot easier,” Tipton said in reference to throwing with a hefty lead. “It’s nice being able to pitch with the lead, throw strikes and not worry about placement as much. I just let the ball get hit and let the fielders do the work.”
Tipton, who showcases an unorthodox sidearm delivery on the mound, threw Skyline hitters off guard just enough to earn the senior a strong one-run, four-hit performance over his three innings.
In addition to his tricky mechanics, Tipton used pitch location to his advantage by primarily keeping the ball down and out of the wheelhouse of his adversaries.
“Tipton started working on [his delivery] last year and just started throwing that sidearm stuff,” added Pierce. “He’s still figuring out how the ball works. When he leaves the ball low in the zone, it really moves and it’s kind of fun to watch.”
Strafford faces rival Springfield Catholic at home tomorrow, while Skyline travels to play Buffalo on Thursday.
