Hounds score eight in sixth to beat Dolphins

By MATT KING
Daily Journal Sports Writer

FARMINGTON — The Farmington Dolphins handed away an early three-run lead by committing six defensive errors on Thursday, and never regained their traction against steady pitcher Jake Rhodes.

Rhodes scattered seven hits and struck out two in a complete-game effort, and the Farmington Hounds tallied eight runs in the sixth inning to leave the rival Dolphins behind, 12-3 in MABA Junior Babe Ruth action.

Chase Busenbark finished 4-for-5 from the clean-up spot, and Dante Castro matched Rhodes with two hits each to pace the Hounds (13-2), who currently lead the American Division by two games after winning their fifth straight.

The Dolphins (8-6) surged ahead on a two-run double to right by Joey Hagan, and completed their two-out rally in the opening frame leading 3-0 after Ethan Grimes’ infield hit was thrown into foul territory.

The Hounds responded in the second on a strange sequence, as Busenbark circled the bases on a slow roller to shortstop and two errant throws. Two more unearned runs would cross against starter Tanner Ward in the third.

Second baseman Justin Boehm robbed Jared Dunlap of a single with an extended diving catch, but Rhodes followed with a triple to left-center. Rider Garrett delivered a sharp RBI single to center for a 3-3 tie.

Dunlap singled and scored the decisive run on another wild throw in the fourth, and the Hounds pulled away in the sixth by sending 11 batters to the plate, beginning with a single from No. 9 batter Blake Archer.

Evan Dunivan and Garrett drew bases-loaded walks against reliever Ollie Siebert, and Dante Castro greeted Grimes with a RBI single. Sam Thompson and Jimmy Moore added doubles for the Hounds.

A double play terminated a third-inning scoring threat for the Dolphins after Nathan Komar and Ward stroked singles, and Todd Brackett was tagged out on a failed squeeze attempt following his single in the fourth.

Ward pitched five innings in defeat and finished 2-for-3, while Siebert and Brian Koppeis added singles for the Dolphins.

Rockies 8, Cats 1

LEADWOOD — Zac Turner finished 3-for-4 with a double and Tyler Dane singled twice with three RBI on Thursday, as the Leadwood Rockies retained their National Division lead by rolling past the Fredericktown Cats 8-1.

Jesse Waters and Elliot Sutton had two hits each, and Jake Coleman picked up a two-run single for the Rockies (10-2). Justin Lashley earned the win and Josh Conway recorded seven strikeouts in a three-inning save.

Jake Korokis notched two hits including a triple to pace the Cats. Ryan Morgan and Jared Cook added singles.

Cubs 11, Giants 2

PARK HILLS — Travis Ryals compiled eight strikeouts in a complete-game win, and also drove in three runs as the visiting North County Cubs defeated the Park Hills Giants 11-2 on Thursday night.

Drew Rhodes collected five RBI on a double and two singles, and Kaleb Warden added three hits with two RBI for the Cubs (5-6).

Zach Franklin ripped a triple among his two hits and Austin Johnson singled twice in the victory.

Garrett Manion singled twice and Dale Mosier doubled for the Giants (9-4). Levi Ragsdale and Collin Manion added singles.

SENIOR BABE RUTH

Pirates 18, Cyclones 6

IRONTON — Multiple hits from five different players, including four each by Daniel Holloway and Kyle Nettles, lifted the first-place Leadwood Pirates past the Arcadia Valley Cyclones 18-6 on Wednesday night.

Holloway finished 4-for-5 with a double and Nettles was 4-for-6 with a triple for the Pirates (8-2). Jake Gidden went 3-for-4 and Josh Akers was 2-for-3 with both hitters netting a double.

Winning pitcher Trevor Kean worked five innings and helped his own cause with two singles, while catcher Mike Harp added a triple.

Tyler Sutton homered and collected three total hits to pace the Cyclones. William Benson and Josh Rainey each singled twice, and Rusty Allgier chipped in a double.