At first, it wasn’t too big a problem. Tyrone had hit the ball better than expected over the first week of the season, averaging better than eight runs per game, so when the Eagles’ bats started to go cold last week, manager Dustin Schoening didn’t see any reason to worry.
After Tyrone’s 10-0 loss to Central Mountain yesterday in Mill Hall, there may now be some real cause for concern. The Eagles were limited to two hits for the second straight game, giving them an average of a little more than three hits per game over their last three. Tyrone extended its losing streak to four games, falling to 1-5, while surrendering at least 10 runs for the fourth time.
“It’s frustrating,” Schoening said. “Today, we hit the ball hard. Everyone in the line up had at least one quality at-bat, but we can’t put it together. We’re just not finding the holes right now.”
In fact, the Eagles had only six base runners against the Wildcats. Mike Moore and Brock Anders had the team’s only hits, while Aaron Cunningham, Doug Rudy and Chris Decker drew walks.
Junior Johnny Shaffer was tagged with the loss, pitching 4 2/3 innings. He was strong early but tired by the fifth, when he gave up seven runs. He finished allowing all 10 Wildcat runs – 9 of which were earned – while striking out four and walking seven.
“He kept us in the game for four innings,” Schoening said. “I have to give (Central Mountain) credit. They hit the ball well. Shaffer’s curve ball was working very well early, and I think eventually they were on to him a little bit.”
Donnie Hunter came on to face one batter in the fifth, when Central Mountain closed the books on a mercy-rule shortened victory.
Scott Zuback earned the win for Central Mountain, which improved its record to 6-1, throwing all five innings, striking out a pair and walking four.
“It’s not like we’re striking out or just hitting dinkers all over the place,” said Schoening. “I’m puzzled. We scored 22 runs in two games a couple weeks ago, and now we’re struggling just to get hits.”
One player who had no trouble getting a hit yesterday was Central Mountain right fielder Colten Stover, who went 3-for-3 with a home run and 3 RBI. He was the only Wildcat with multiple hits, although all of the first seven batters for Central Mountain hit safely.
Meanwhile, the top of Tyrone’s line was futile. In the last two games, the top six of the Eagles’ batting order has produced just three hits and one run.
Tyrone (1-5) is back at the Harry K. Sickler Athletic Complex for home games, Wednesday against Indian Valley, and Thursday against Mount Union. Both contests will start at 4 p.m.
Central Mountain 10 Tyrone 0
Tyrone – Cunningham, cf, 0-0-0; Moore, 2b, 2-0-1; Rudy, ss, 1-0-0; Shaffer, p-lf, 2-0-0; Hunter, lf-p, 2-0-0; Anders, c, 2-0-1; Brooks, 3b, 2-0-0; Decker, dh, 1-0-0; Brush, rf, 0-0-0; Desch, 1b, 2-0-0. TOTALS: 14-0-2.
Centyral Mountain – Haggenstaller, 3b, 2-1-1; Houser, ss, 2-1-1; Zuback, p, 1-1-1; McGhee, c, 4-2-1; Dolan, 1b, 3-1-1; Gallaher, cf, 3-1-1; Stover, rf, 3-1-3; Harpster, 2b, 0-0-0; Watkins, dh, 3-1-0; Worden, lf, 2-1-0. TOTALS: 23-10-9.
Tyrone 000 00X X – 0- 2-1
Central Mt. 011 17X X – 10-9-0
E: Brooks
2B: Dolan
HR: Stover
RBI: Houser 1, McGhee 2, Dolan 1, Gallaher 2, Stover 3
SO: Shaffer 4, Zuback 2.
BB: Shaffer 7, Zuback 4.
WP: Zuback LP: Shaffer
