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MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
HART — Mason County Central edged Hart 7-6 in eight innings in Game 1 and held a 3-2 lead in a suspended Game 2 of a West Michigan Conference baseball doubleheader Tuesday.
In the opener, Kaden Ruiz delivered a standout all-around performance for the Spartans, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, two runs scored and an RBI. He also dominated on the mound, tossing seven innings with 11 strikeouts while allowing three earned runs.
“It’s really good to see our seniors step up and take the lead,” MCC coach Shaun Reed said.
Leadoff hitter Toby Reed sparked the offense, scoring four runs while adding a double and two stolen bases. The game was decided in the top of the eighth inning when Michael Chye drove in the go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice ground ball.
“The guys played well. Not to sound like a broken record, but errors are what allowed Hart in the game,” Reed said. “If we can manage to limit our errors, we will be tough to beat. I am really excited about how we bounced back from the mistakes we did make.”
Game 2 was halted due to thunderstorms after three innings with MCC leading 3-2. The game will be resumed at a later date since it is a conference matchup.
“I was hoping we could at least get five innings in so that it would be considered a completed game, but with the first game going into extra innings and the darn weather, it didn’t pan out,” Reed said.
Toby Reed continued his strong night in Game 2, going 2-for-2 with a double. Pierce Bladzik also doubled, while Ruiz added a single and drove in two runs. Nate Adams chipped in with a single.
“We had just taken the lead in the bottom of the third and had some momentum going and the umpires decided that the thunder was a safety concern and postponed the game,” Reed said. “It is what it is, we’ll have to finish it later.”
Reed said his team showed resilience throughout the night.
“Overall, we played well. Showed a lot of heart by battling through some adversity. That’s a good sign,” he said. “My three seniors stepped up tonight. I didn’t mention earlier, but senior Gideon Sales had some quality at-bats in the first game as well.”
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Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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