JOHNSON CITY — Science Hill’s baseball team struck for four big runs in the third, breaking open what was otherwise a pitchers’ duel against Dobyns-Bennett.
As a result, the Hilltoppers bested the Indians 5-0 Tuesday night to win the regular season series 2-1.
“The main thing is that we’re trying to get better,” Hilltoppers head coach Ryan Edwards said. “We played a great game tonight. I feel like we’re getting better over the last two or three weeks as we’ve moved toward May and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing.”
After striking for one in the first but leaving the bases loaded, the Hilltoppers (25-9, 6-3 District 1-4A) pounced on some sloppy defense for four in the third. The Indians committed an error and allowed three passed balls in the frame.
The lone two RBIs came on singles from Josh Marmo and Lucas Dye, with Dye’s making the contest 5-0.
“Today was not an easy day because they threw a lot of different looks at us,” Edwards said. “I thought we ran the bases well that inning…I thought we made some good adjustments and got the runs we needed to get.”
Dye played a big role in Science Hill’s run production. The third baseman had a pair of hits, including a double, on top of the aforementioned single. Jackson Berry went 2-for-3, and Landon Smelser doubled.
Noah Hazell gave the Indians fits on the mound. The right-hander tossed 5 1/3 innings, only allowing four hits. All evening, Hazell induced soft contact that led to easy plays for his defenders.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way he threw the baseball,” Edwards said. “He commanded his three pitches. I feel like he stayed gutsy out there the whole game.”
The Tribe (21-5, 5-4) posed their first threat to score in the sixth, with two runners on and just one out. However, Cole ReSue worked out of the fire, inducing a fielder’s choice back to the mound and a flyout.
Cam Hayworth, Will Ritz, Jackson Bishop and Taylor Blankenship accounted for D-B’s four hits.
Science Hill’s victory moved it to second place in the Big Four Conference, a game behind conference champion Daniel Boone. In the upcoming District 1-4A Tournament, The Hilltoppers will once again face the Indians, while Boone will rematch with West Ridge in the opening round.
Stay Engaged
React to this article and join our community of readers sharing their feedback.
