The Warrior baseball team broke through on Friday night with a 9-7 victory over the visiting Canfield Cardinals. The win ups the teams record to 6-10 on the season.
The game got off to a late start as a storm moved through the area. Both teams went scoreless in the first two innings but the Warriors plated four in the third inning to take the lead.
Evan Springer got things started with a walk followed by a
Boston Mulinix single. After an out,
Charlie Biskup was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Jeremiah Thomas then lined a 3-2 pitch into right field giving the Warriors the 1-0 lead.
Maddox Coleman followed with an RBI groundout but the big hit followed. Drake Stryffler singled to left to bring home two runs and push the Warrior lead to four.
Canfield wasn't deterred as they plated four runs themselves in the top half of the fourth, but again the Warriors responded. After two outs, Mulinix singled and moved to second on a throwing error.
Anthony Perry was intentionally walked to bring up Biskup. Biskup took a 1-0 pitch deep to right field for a double scoring two runs and giving the Warriors a 6-4 lead after four innings.
West Branch tacked on three more big runs in the bottom of the sixth. After an out, Biskup once again doubled and Thomas was intentionally walked. With two outs, Stryffeler again came up big this time hitting a deep fly ball over the center fielders head for a triple scoring pinch runner
Walker Poorbaugh and Thomas. Pinch hitter
Carter Thrasher followed with a walk and then pinch hitter
Nick Scofinsky hit a hard ground ball single up the middle to bring home the 9th run for West Branch.
Canfield once again threatened in the seventh scoring three runs with the tying run at the plate, but
Dominic Fotheringham struck out the final Cardinals batter giving the Warriors the victory.
Springer earned the win for West Branch allowing four runs (one earned) in four innings. He gave up four hits and walked four. Fotheringham earned the save pitching the final three innings allowing three runs on three hits and striking out two.
At the plate West Branch collected nine hits including Biskup's two doubles and Stryffeler's triple.
Grady Close also singled for the winners.
The Warriors are off until Tuesday when the Salem Quakers come to town for a 5 PM first pitch. The Warriors will also honor its ten seniors before the game.
