Brookwood’s Grant Martin kept Hillsboro batters off balance throughout Thursday’s SBC baseball game at Hillsboro.
Martin struck out six and held the Tigers to one run on four hits in a lop-sided 10–1 Brookwood victory.
The Falcons threatened early and often reaching base via walk or earning hits.
Hillsboro starter Brandon Stanek pitched his way out of a jam in the first, but found himself in trouble again in the second when Brookwood loaded the bases.
Senior Chucky Strait worked his way out of the bases loaded one-out jam without allowing a run. Unfortunately for the home team, Strait found himself in the same situation in the third where a hit batsman, a single, and a dropped third strike allowed Brookwood to pile on five runs.
Sophomore Tommy Crandall pitched three solid innings of relief allowing while striking out five.
Fellow sophomore Ethan Thorsen pitched well in the sixth an seventh, but the Tiger defense committed three errors.
Martin, hit his spots all game. The difference was coming up with big strikeouts to end Tiger threats in the first and second innings when the where the Tigers stranded five base runners.
“When we didn’t score runs early, that really set the tone for the rest of the game,” said Hillsboro head coach Bob Bothe. “We came out hitting the ball and taking pitches but didn’t get the big hit from anybody when we needed it most. Brookwood did the opposite taking advantage of every chance with timely hits and outstanding defense and pitching when they needed it most.”
“This was an ugly loss for us, as we have a talented and deep team,” added Bothe. “Brookwood brought their A game and did all of the little things right. They have good discipline at the plate, they make all the routine plays plus some web gems, and they always have pitchers who throw strikes. Its early in the season but we have a lot of work to do to get better now.”
Monday’s SBC game at New Lisbon was postponed by snow and will be made up May 8 as part of a doubleheader at Hillsboro.
The Tigers (1–1, 1–1 SBC) will return to action Thursday when Bangor comes to town. Hillsboro will then travel to Necedah on Monday.
